GARNETT — This year’s drought-stricken corn harvest could be a major problem for ethanol producers like East Kansas Agri-Energy in Garnett. Kansas Corn Growers’ Jere White told the Anderson County Review that ethanol plants are facing several issues such as the price and availablity of corn, declining gasoline and oil prices and less demand for ethanol. Local agriculture experts predict only about 5 to 10 percent of Anderson County corn will be worth harvesting this year. White said the Garnett ethanol plant will have to cast a wider net in drawing corn supplies. Some ethanol plants will shut down temporarily for until the market improves. The Review reported that the Garnett ethanol plant could be one of those plants, shutting down for maintenance next month. However, the newspaper said the company hasn’t commented on its plans.
Wednesday, July 18, 3:30 p.m.
