Question: Answers:
"I'm asking if it's a financially stable business model or is it a propped-up business model without sustainability?"
— Arizona Dealer
"No. It increases the cost of livestock production and the cost of crop inputs."
— Iowa Dealer
"Yields cannot accommodate the amount of corn needed both for feed and or to produce ethanol even though corn can be reused after being used for the production of ethanol as a feed/supplement. If ethanol is put into full production, corn prices also will be regulated more to control fuel prices which will lead back to the farmer being 'screwed' as usual."
— Ohio Dealer
"We're already having issues with the use of ethanol fuel causing more mechanical problems with equipment."
— Eastern Canada Dealer
"If the national debt issue is to be resolved, then this inefficient subsidy should be eliminated. But, this should be done only if all other pet projects are also eliminated. If it's not across the board cuts, then I don't want to see the ag subsidies singled out."
— Texas Dealer
"If we can grow it here, why import our fuel?"
— Ohio Dealer
"Ethanol is a viable part of American energy and we need to keep developing it, although I do feel we can now do this without the federal subsidy."
— Nebraska Dealer
"It's not efficient and it creates false markets. Drill, baby drill — lots of oil out there and cheaper!"
— Washington Dealer
"No. It raises the cost of available feed for livestock — hurts the livestock business. It has to raise the price of food."
— Iowa Dealer
"I'm in favor of continuing to produce ethanol from corn because it is good for the country, the economy and agriculture. When corn goes into the ethanol plant, not only does ethanol come out, but it's also a very valuable feed source called "distillers grain". Ethanol is at the core of making agriculture sustainable and profitable."
— Kansas Dealer
"Ethanol has been giving us fits in new lawn and garden equipment. We along with many of our customers have had to do costly repairs because of it."
— Oregon Dealer
"I believe we need to continue our efforts to produce a renewable fuel source to stay up to date with technology enhancements that are developing as we all know that technology changes the way we look and do things daily. I don't know if it will be with corn, soybeans or the use of other plants, but we need to drive the process instead of waiting for others to figure it out for us. In this way, we will be more efficient and ready for the task when we finally figure out the right and most productive path to follow."
— North Dakota Dealer
"There's no need for it, but it will not end as the monster has been created. Consumers are screaming about high commodity prices caused by turning food into fuel. There is enough out there anyway. At least the bi-products generate value."
— Illinois Dealer
"Independence from oil suppliers must be a priority of all North American consumers."
— Central Canada Dealer
"The fuel is not efficient to use. Without the subsidies the ethanol system will fail."
— Oklahoma Dealer
"Regardless, we need some type of energy source other than oil. Continued development will only happen if there is support for the research."
— Illinois Dealer
"It's paramount that the world reduces its dependence on fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal. It's a must that we explore other means to produce energy."
— Indiana Dealer
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"I'm strongly against any government funded production of ethanol. If the free market can produce ethanol profitably at a lower cost than gasoline, only then will it become a viable option to petroleum based fuels."
— Pennsylvania Dealer
"Ethanol reduces our dependence on foreign oil. Its production also gives us a '2 for 1' use for corn with ethanol production and distiller's grain for feed."
— Iowa Dealer
"Our nation needs to create as much energy as possible to keep the money in the U.S. and stop being dependent on foreign oil."
— Illinois Dealer
"Any energy source we produce is good for our country. About 20% of Iowa's electricity comes from wind farms. That's good, too!"
— Iowa Dealer
"Ethanol production from corn is poor use of arable land."
— Eastern Canada Dealer
"With the increase in commodity prices, it drives up the cost of feed for livestock. Overall, it's not a good strategy."
— Ohio Dealer
"It's a major source of fuel. Production efficiencies continue to improve, making it a viable option for some of our oil needs."
— Minnesota Dealer
"Ethanol is good for farmers, not for us."
— Ohio Dealer
"Ethanol creates more demand for ag products, which should keep commodity prices up, which allow producers to spend money on equipment."
— Montana Dealer
"We need to stay at the level of ethanol production we're at. It's sustainable at this level, and because of the political volatility in Washington and the inability to predict their next step, the potential outcome of the 'on and off' ethanol support leads to big swings in pricing, and thus the stability of the farmer."
— Illinois Dealer
"Selfishly, we are for it as it drives corn prices higher. Realistically, we wonder if the economics of producing it makes sense. Is its cost more than the gain?"
— Michigan Dealer
"I am in favor of increased production of ethanol from any source because it creates jobs, helps keep young people in the rural areas and increases business in the ag industry."
— North Dakota Dealer
"It's simple. Agriculture will struggle without ethanol in some form and that will directly affect farmers."
— Kentucky Dealer
"Ethanol is not good fuel and we have plenty of oil available if we would just go get it."
— Montana Dealer
"We should continue producing ethanol because it will help maintain high commodity prices and keep our farmers profitable."
— Western Canada Dealer
"Ethanol is not good for anyone!"
— New York Dealer
"Ethanol lessens our dependence on imported oil."
— Western Canada Dealer
"Ethanol is causing engine performance to deteriorate, and we need to feed people but take our fuel away from carbon-based fuels and be more aware of our environment!"
— Wisconsin Dealer
"Ethanol helps stabilize corn prices and we use the by-products for cattle. It's a temporary fix for fuel."
— Missouri Dealer
"Ethanol costs too much to be sustainable."
— Maryland Dealer
"Ethanol provides more marketing choices for our farmers."
— Kansas Dealer
"It provides increased demand and price stability for cash crop producers."
— Central Canada Dealer
