Iowa’s latest ethanol plant is preparing to go into full production mode. In the northwest Iowa town of Galva, officials at Quad County Corn Processors say February 26th was their landmark day.Mike Jerke is general manager of Quad County, which is located in Ida County and is buying corn from producers in eight surrounding counties. Jerke says the goal is to begin producing 18-million gallons of the corn-based fuel every year.This is the ninth ethanol plant now in production in Iowa and five more are under construction. The Galva plant puts 16 people to work in a cooperative that includes more than 400 farmer/producer members. Jerke says it’s a prime example of farmers taking charge and helping themselves in the face of low commodity prices and high supplies. He says 18-million gallons of ethanol per year will be a big benefit to northwest Iowa growers.When at capacity, Jerke says the plant will be using six-point-eight million bushels of corn per year, as they can squeeze a little over two-and-a-half gallons of ethanol out of every bushel.
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