News

Study looks at ethanol’s economic impact in Nebraska

Although the growth in Nebraska’s ethanol industry has plateaued in recent years, it continues to be a major contributor to the state’s economy.

That’s the conclusion of a recent impact study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln economists.  They found that, during the past five years, the value of ethanol and dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS) produced in the state ranged from slightly less than 4 billion dollars to more than 6.6 billion dollars.

The study also found that 96 percent of the ethanol and 58 percent of the DDGS produced in Nebraska is shipped out of state.  The economists say that results in a net positive for the state and represents a direct economic impact by bringing new money into the state economy.

The study notes Nebraska’s ethanol industry could be affected by emerging trends and at least four are worth watching – the recovery of carbon dioxide (CO2), the extraction of corn oil, and world export markets for both ethanol and DDGS.

Link to Nebraska Ethanol Board news release