By Andi Anderson
Indiana corn farmers may soon find a new opportunity for their crops through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). With record-high corn yields over the past two years, Indiana farmers are producing more corn than they can sell for traditional uses like ethanol and cattle feed.
This oversupply drives down corn prices, leaving farmers searching for alternative markets.
The push toward electric vehicles is expected to eventually reduce the demand for ethanol, which could significantly impact corn farmers. However, experts from the Roads to Removal symposium noted that sustainable aviation fuel could create a new market for corn as the transportation sector moves away from gasoline and ethanol.
Jerome Dumortier, an Indiana University Indianapolis professor who studies climate change and economic impacts on agriculture, explained that SAF could help offset the decline in corn demand.
However, challenges remain: “We don’t really know when this is coming, and corn is not necessarily the only feedstock you can use," Dumortier said. Currently, using corn to produce SAF is costly, and it can even lead to higher pollution levels than gasoline because it often requires converting more land for production.
Experts suggest that instead of using corn kernels, farmers could focus on corn by-products such as stalks, leaves, and husks. These parts of the plant, typically left unused, could serve as a more efficient source for biofuel production while allowing farmers to continue selling corn kernels in other markets.
Utilizing these by-products can make SAF production less costly and reduce the environmental impact, offering a promising alternative to traditional fuel sources.
As SAF technology continues to evolve, Indiana corn farmers may see an opportunity to diversify their income while supporting more sustainable fuel options.
Sustainable aviation fuels could transform agricultural markets, helping to stabilize corn prices and encouraging eco-friendly practices within the industry.
For Indiana farmers, SAF presents a chance to adapt to changing markets and secure a future for corn beyond ethanol, contributing to both economic and environmental benefits.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-undefined-undefined
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Corn, Energy