1-25 IAT Booze Fuel

  There’s a country song that says “Tequila makes my clothes fall off” but if you keep your britches on I’m gonna tell you about something related to tequila that can make your motor humm.  Agave, currently known for its use in the production of alcoholic beverages and fibers, thrives in semi-arid regions where it is less likely to conflict with food and feed production. Agave is a unique feedstock because of its high water use efficiency and ability to survive without water between rainfalls. Scientists found that in 14 independent studies, the yields of two Agave species greatly exceeded the yields of other biofuel feedstocks, such as corn, soybean, sorghum, and wheat. Additionally, even more productive Agave species that have not yet been evaluated exist. Here’s state energy specialist John Crockett telling us that there’s room for Idaho producers to step up with bio-fuel production: “We’re not in very good shape with liquid transportation fuels, we rely on everybody else for that”. I don’t know that agave can be grown in Idaho but it is an interesting idea. Certainly importing and using it as a bio fuel in lieu of corn could reduce the pressure on livestock producers who have to pay such high prices for corn As another song says “Pour me another tequila” and I’ll think about it.