Making fuel from corn – a good/bad thing for local farmers

A rising demand for ethanol, a fuel additive created from corn, has caused corn prices in Missouri to jump from $2 in 2006, to nearly $4 a bushel recently. And while this has been a boon for corn growers, other agricultural industries are hurting.

Most of the corn grown in the United States is used as feedstock for livestock owners. But rising corn prices have hurt livestock owners who are already reeling from a bad winter.

A particularly harsh winter caused numerous complications during the winter calving season. Added to that were the high hay prices, caused by a shortage last year. And now, livestock owners are facing increased prices in corn feedstock.

California Democrat