This is rather disturbing.  The report say’s that corn is expected to remain scarce and expensive until 2013 crop is harvested.  The report say’s that 1 plant in No. Dakota may remain closed for good.  It say’s that a lot of the plants aren’t going to make it. I never had much interest in this until they pushed our corn prices high and affected our supply.  They say there’s nothing to worry about for the consumer.  But time will tell.  Corn futures are at $7.46 per bushel now.  They say that they have stockpiled millions of barrels of ethanol, I find that in itself disturbing, while countries in the world are fighting over food and starving.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The persistent U.S. drought is taking a toll on producers of ethanol, with corn becoming so scarce that nearly two dozen ethanol plants have been forced to halt production.

The Renewable Fuels Association, an ethanol industry trade group, provided data to The Associated Press showing that 20 of the nation’s 211 ethanol plants have ceased production over the past year, including five in January. Most remain open, with workers spending time performing maintenance-type tasks. But ethanol production won’t likely resume until after 2013 corn is harvested in late August or September.

Industry experts don’t expect a shortage — millions of barrels are stockpiled and the remaining 191 plants are still producing. Still, there is growing concern about what happens if the drought lingers through another corn-growing season.

via Corn shortage idles 20 ethanol plants nationwide.

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