Effect of the Environment On Zea Mays Grain Produced for Use in Conversion From Grain to Ethanol in Dry-Grind Fermentation Systems.

Use of Zea mays grain for ethanol production continues to grow in the United States to meet demands for ethanol fuels.  Dry-grind ethanol facilities across the U. S. are known to acquire grain as a commodity with little regard for where grain is grown.  Research data indicate that ethanol yields will vary as a result of the environmental conditions under which grain is produced.  As gross margins (profit margins) for ethanol production facilities remain small, it is likely that quality of fermentation feedstocks may play a role in their long-term business success.   Results from these studies indicate that dry-grind ethanol producers will need to carefully consider the source of corn grains and the environments under which they are grown to ensure optimal fermentation productivity.