Biofuels could create new kind of corn

Corn raised by future Iowa farmers could look more like the corn produced by their ancestors, with more substantial stalks, biofuels industry experts said Wednesday.

As investment in biomass-based, or cellulosic, ethanol production grows, so will demand for crop residue. At the same time, corn-based ethanol production will continue to drive demand for grain. Look for university and private sector researchers to develop corn hybrids that yield more of both, said speakers at a symposium focused on the impact of biorenewable energy on the rural economy.

desmoinesregister