All Participants from 8 different countries at the Peltier Complex in Fargo, ND

The Northern Crops Institute (NCI) hosted its U.S. Ethanol Production and Procurement course from March 23 to 27, 2026, at the Peltier Complex in Fargo, North Dakota. As the first course of the year, the program brought together 19 participants from eight countries, including the United States, Mexico, Japan, Tunisia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, and Kenya.

Designed for importers, traders, company executives, and industry stakeholders, the course provided a comprehensive overview of the U.S. ethanol industry, from production to global procurement. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on learning, and industry tours, participants gained valuable insight into supply chains, policy, sustainability, and risk management strategies shaping the ethanol market.

From Farm to Fuel

The course began with a welcome at NCI, followed by presentations from Brenda Elmer, Executive Director of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, and Carson Klosterman, Chairman of the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council. Together, they introduced participants to U.S. farmers and corn production, setting the stage for understanding the foundation of ethanol production.

Participants then heard from Dr. Rowena Torres-Ordonez on U.S. Ethanol 101 before heading out for an afternoon of field learning. The group visited Ben Bakko’s farm for a firsthand look at corn production and toured the Tharaldson Ethanol Plant in Casselton, North Dakota. The day concluded with a dinner hosted by the North Dakota Corn Growers, providing an opportunity for networking and discussion.

Understanding Markets, Policy, and Sustainability

Over the next several days, participants engaged in in-depth classroom sessions led by industry experts and NDSU faculty. Topics included global ethanol market development, policy and trade, sustainability, decarbonization, and ethanol economics.

Speakers included Alicia Koch of the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council, Carlos Zurita and Matt Gammons of NDSU, and Dave Ripplinger of NDSU Extension, who provided insight into U.S. ethanol policy, lifecycle assessments, and the evolving role of low carbon fuel standards. Additional sessions explored emerging technologies and future fuels, including carbon capture and storage and sustainable aviation fuel, presented by Chris Ryan of Gevo and Tad Hepner of the Renewable Fuels Association.

Participants also explored ethanol co-products and their uses with Shane Mueller, NCI Feed Production Center Manager, including a tour of the NCI Feed Mill.

Commodity Trading Game with Dr. Frayne Olson

Hands-On Learning Through Trading and Strategy

A key highlight of the course was the interactive learning led by Dr. Frayne Olson, NDSU Extension Crops Economist and Marketing Specialist. Through a series of lectures on supply chains, futures markets, basis, spreads, and hedging, participants built a strong foundation in market analysis and risk management.

This learning came to life through the Commodity Trading Game held in the NDSU Commodity Trading Room, a facility designed to simulate live market conditions. The fast-paced trading environment encouraged participants to apply concepts from the classroom as they made real-time buying and selling decisions, gaining a deeper understanding of market behavior and risk.

Throughout the week, participants also worked in teams on a case study that challenged them to develop a long-term market strategy for a U.S.-based ethanol plant. Acting as the management team of a mid-sized operation, groups evaluated market opportunities, carbon intensity reduction strategies, procurement plans, and key risks. The case study encouraged collaboration, discussion, and critical thinking, culminating in group presentations that highlighted a range of approaches and perspectives.

Supporting Global Understanding of U.S. Ethanol

The U.S. Ethanol Production and Procurement course reflects NCI’s mission to provide education that strengthens global connections and understanding of U.S. agriculture. By combining technical knowledge, real-world applications, and industry engagement, the program equips participants with the tools needed to navigate the evolving ethanol market.

NCI would like to thank Minnesota Corn, North Dakota Corn Council, South Dakota Corn, and the U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council for their support in making this course possible.

To view and register for upcoming courses, visit www.northern-crops.com/courses.

NCI Hosts U.S. Ethanol Production and Procurement Course | March 23–27, 2026

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