By Blake Jackson
Kentucky's new Commissioner of Agriculture, Jonathan Shell, sees promise in using corn grown by Christian County farmers to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This innovation could provide new economic opportunities for the region's agricultural sector.
Shell spoke at the annual Salute to Agriculture event in Hopkinsville, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of the curve. He highlighted the existing ethanol plant in Hopkinsville and its potential to be converted for SAF production, particularly as electric vehicles become more prevalent. This would create new markets for local corn producers.
The recent opening of a commercial SAF production facility in Georgia using ethanol demonstrates the growing interest in this alternative fuel source. President Biden's administration also supports ambitious plans to transition airlines away from fossil fuels, aiming for farmers to supply 95% of all sustainable aviation fuel within the next 20 years.
However, concerns exist about the environmental impact of increased corn production, particularly regarding groundwater usage.
Ethanol as a fuel source for airplanes was just one of the topics Shell addressed during his speech. He also highlighted his appreciation for Christian County's agricultural strength and announced the appointment of a local man as his chief of staff.
The Salute to Agriculture event also recognized outstanding individuals and businesses within the Christian County agricultural community. Brandon Hunt, a fourth-generation grain farmer, was named Farmer of the Year. Ben Westerfield, grain manager at Hopkinsville Elevator, received the Friend of Agriculture Award. Wheat Tech Agronomy was recognized as the Agri-Business of the Year.
Christian County boasts a long history of being a top producer of cash crops in Kentucky. More recently, the county has seen significant growth in dairy cattle operations. According to statistics, the county ranked first in the state for winter wheat production, second for grain corn, and fourth for both soybeans and milk cows in 2021.
The Salute to Agriculture event is a collaborative effort between the Christian County Agri-Business Association and the Chamber of Commerce. Scholarships were presented to local students in memory of a former agricultural educator, and a live auction raised funds to support local 4-H and FFA programs.
Photo Credit: shutterstock-dickgage
Categories: Kentucky, Energy