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

The Northern Crops Institute (NCI) hosted its second U.S. Ethanol Production and Procurement course of the year, from October 26 to 30, 2026, at the Peltier Complex in Fargo, North Dakota. The five-day program brought together 16 participants from 8 countries including the United States, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Brazil, and Bolivia.

Designed for importers, traders, company executives, and other industry stakeholders, the course provided a comprehensive overview of the U.S. ethanol export system. Through a combination of classroom presentations, industry tours, and hands-on learning, participants gained valuable insight into supply chains, trade policy, sustainability, and risk management strategies shaping the ethanol market.

An Inside Look at U.S. Ethanol Production

The course began with a welcome at NCI, followed by an introduction to U.S. farmers and corn production from Carson Klosterman, Chairman, and Heidie Haugo, Communications Director, of the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council. Participants then heard from Dr. Rowena Torres-Ordonez on the fundamentals of U.S. ethanol production and the relationship between ethanol, food, and fuel.

The first day continued with an afternoon of industry tours. Participants visited the Tharaldson Ethanol Plant in Casselton, North Dakota, for a firsthand look at the ethanol production process before visiting Michael Olson's farm to learn more about corn production. The day concluded with a supper hosted by the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council, providing an opportunity for networking and discussion.

Exploring the Ethanol Market and Industry Outlook

Over the next several days, participants engaged in in-depth classroom sessions led by industry experts and NDSU faculty. Topics included ethanol shipping and logistics, U.S. ethanol policy, low carbon fuel standards, sustainability certifications, and the global ethanol market.

Speakers included Dr. Matt Gammons of NDSU, Dr. David Ripplinger of NDSU Extension, and Dr. Frayne Olson of NDSU Extension, who provided insight into the policies, market conditions, and supply chain considerations influencing the ethanol industry. Additional sessions explored lifecycle assessments, carbon intensity, carbon capture and storage, and emerging opportunities for renewable fuels.

Participants also learned about ethanol co-product streams and their uses with Shane Mueller, NCI Feed Production Center Manager. The session included a tour of the NCI Feed Mill, where participants gained a closer look at how distillers grains and other co-products are used in animal feed.

Commodity Trading Game with Dr. Frayne Olson

Putting Market Knowledge into Practice

A key component of the course was the interactive learning led by Dr. Frayne Olson, NDSU Extension Professor. Through sessions on futures markets, basis, spreads, hedging principles, and commodity analysis, participants developed a better understanding of market behavior and strategies for managing procurement risk.

This learning came to life through the Trading Game held in the NDSU Commodity Trading Room, a facility designed to simulate live market conditions. The experience challenged participants to apply concepts from the classroom as they made buying and selling decisions, gaining practical experience in commodity trading and risk management.

Throughout the week, participants also worked in teams on a case study that encouraged them to apply their knowledge of the U.S. ethanol industry. Through group discussions and activities, they explored market opportunities, supply chain considerations, sustainability, and procurement strategies. The course concluded with case study presentations and graduation, giving participants an opportunity to share their ideas and reflect on what they had learned throughout the week.

Building Global Connections Through Ethanol Education

The U.S. Ethanol Production and Procurement course reflects NCI's mission to support agriculture through educational programs and technical services that expand markets for northern grown crops. By connecting international industry professionals with U.S. agricultural experts, the program helps build a greater understanding of the production, markets, and opportunities that support the U.S. ethanol industry.

NCI would like to thank the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council, Minnesota Corn, South Dakota Corn, all the presenters, industry partners, and organizations who shared their time and expertise to make 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 | October 26–30, 2026

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