Saturday Farm Feature: Ernie Rodina

KFEQ welcomes the Checkerboard Corral to Sunday morning on KFEQ. Ernie Rodina, host of the weekly broadcast joined me this morning to visit about the program, the equine area in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas and how the show has continued to develop.
Catch the Checkerboard Corral each Sunday morning from 6:30 - 7:30 beginning February 12 on KFEQ.

LifeLine Foods Announces Intent to Build an Ethanol Facility in St. Joseph

(St. Joseph, MO)-February 3, 2006 – Today, Lifeline Foods, LLC announced their intention to construct an ethanol production facility in St. Joseph, MO. The project is estimated to consist of $60,000,000 in investment and create 35 new jobs. The facility will include the latest in ethanol processing technology and is expected to produce in excess of 40,000,000 gallons of fuel grade ethanol per year. According to Bill Becker, CEO, there are still ongoing discussions and details to be resolved prior to the start of the project, but we are optimistic that construction can begin later this spring. Much of the process will be integrated into our existing infrastructure and is designed to enhance and expand our current corn-based food manufacturing.

Lifeline’s expansion includes investment in the company by ICM, Inc. of Colwich, Kansas. ICM is a leading design and engineering firm in the ethanol industry. “We are very impressed with the St. Joseph community and are looking forward to our involvement with Lifeline and the future of food manufacturing.” stated Dave Vander Griend CEO of ICM. In addition to becoming a part owner in Lifeline, ICM also intends to install a pilot plant within the Lifeline complex. The intention is to perform ongoing testing and analysis which will support future development and growth in the industry.

As part of the transaction, a Missouri Cooperative, AgraMarke Quality Grains, Inc. will remain a majority owner of Lifeline. The cooperative consists of approximately 400 farmers from the states of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa. The farmers produce and deliver specific varieties of corn with enhanced milling characteristics. Lifeline processes the corn and produces food ingredients and retail ready products for several large food manufacturers in the US and abroad. The company currently has approximately 95 employees.

"I am pleased that Lifeline Foods has made a commitment to locate an ethanol production facility and create dozens of new jobs in St. Joseph." Governor Matt Blunt said. "Missouri's enhanced business climate, new incentive programs and our strong commitment to boost ethanol and bio-diesel production is bolstering Missouri's competitive advantage to
win these types of projects. This plant will also play a very important role in our efforts to expand our rural economies and boost the amount of ethanol in Missouri's gasoline supply, further reducing our nations dependence on foreign oil."

“The state of Missouri played a major role in our ability to locate the facility,” Mr. Becker added, “we feel that the legislative leadership in Missouri is very forward thinking and it is paying off in the form of job creation and community development.” Lifeline has also received strong guidance from the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Corn Growers Association. Additionally, we have always been appreciative for the support received from the City of St. Joseph and Buchanan County. With the vision and support of the leadership in this community, St. Joseph has a bright future.

Mayor David Jones stated, "This is another exciting announcement for St. Joseph. It is indication that our local economy continues to expand and add jobs. My congratulations to Lifeline Foods and welcome to ICM."

Missouri Soybean Update: Show-Me Ag Classic

The annual Show-Me Ag Classic is underway in Columbia. Brooks Hurst from Tarkio tells us about today's agenda.

Missouri Corn Update: Gene Hugoson

As Missouri lawmakers advance legislation that would set a renewable fuel standard in the Show-Me State, Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Gene Hugoson has some perspective on how Minnesota has made a standard work for over 10 years now and gives some advice to Missouri lawmakers.

Kansas Soybean Update: Kenlon Johannes

The Kansas Soybean Association is paying close attention to the conclusions and recommendations of a Kansas Legislature Select Joint Committee on Energy as there are some provisions that are related to biodiesel. Executive Director, Kenlon Johannes explains some of the proposals and tell us about legislation that has been introduced or is coming up soon...