I saw an article in the Evansville Courier & Press called, "Ethanol demands may squeeze farmers not consumers." The article discussed the growing corn prices due to ethanol demand. It clarified a common misconception that some people have; some think that ethanol will take food away from people. Before moving to Indiana, I didn't know the difference either between field corn that is used for livestock and ethanol and sweet corn, which is what we eat. Yet, the rising prices of the field corn can affect our diets. Higher field corn prices could mean higher prices for the meat that consumed the corn, like chicken. Although people eat chicken more than any other meat, it is expected that they will consume slightly more beef and pork next year. It sounded a little frightening that there might not be enough food for the livestock. Yet, the article does say that even after ethanol production, there are corn kernels left over that can be fed to the animals. The challenge lies in transporting all of these kernels to the livestock instead of the corn, as was done before.

This article did cause me to step back and think a bit more of some of the logistic difficulties that may result due to a sudden surge in ethanol demand. Yet, if transporting kernels instead of corn is one of the bigger obstacles, then I think we will be able to prevail and meet this challenge. Yet, it does make one realize that there may be many set-backs and challenges that go along with alternative fuel production. It is my belief though, that once the kinks are worked out, the end result will be well worth it.