Corn is truly a food AND fuel source.

One bushel of field corn is 56 pounds and provides:

31.5 pounds of Starch or 33 pounds of Sweetener or 2.8 Gallons of Ethanol

PLUS

13.5 pounds of Gluten Feed
2.6 pounds of Gluten Meal
and 1.5 pounds of Corn Oil

Iowa corn growers grew enough corn for food and fuel use in 2007 and
plan to do so again this year. Adjusting for ethanol’s feed coproducts,
about 40 percent of Iowa’s corn goes into livestock feed, 24 percent to
ethanol, 12 percent to food uses and 24 percent leaves the state (most will be livestock feed).

• Less than 20 cents of every dollar Americans spend on food pays all the farm costs. There’s less than a penny worth of corn in a serving of corn flakes, so it’s not a big factor in the price of food you’re putting on your plate.

See your food dollar breakdown

The growing importance of corn to our society is reflected in current demand. Some, such as our "friends" in the oil industry, would have you believe this is a bad thing. In fact, they are investing millions of dollars do generate negative media and discredit ethanol. http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com/2007/07/big-oils-war-on-ethanol.html

The Wall Street Journal estimates that U.S. gas prices would be 15% higher without the increasing effect of biofuels - or more than $3.70 per gallon instead of the recent average price of $3.25 a gallon. The Ethanol Promotion and Information Council reported last summer that ethanol reduced consumers' average cost of gasoline by 45 cents per gallon. The only real problem we have is if we don’t grow enough corn. The good news is U.S. corn farmers are capable of meeting society’s needs. Growing yields and record crops prove this.

Kernel of Truth

Kernel of Truth: There is only 13 cents of corn in a gallon of milk. World demand for milk has increased, bumping up prices, even though dairy cattle benefit from using co-products from ethanol production called distillers grains.

Kernel of Truth: Corn contributes only 18 cents to a ¼-pound hamburger and 31 cents to an Iowa pork chop. In Iowa, livestock is still the No. 1 market for our corn.

Kernel of Truth: Soda contains just 3.5 cents of corn-based sweetener in a liter. High fructose corn syrup uses only 7% of U.S. corn production. Though it is a major ingredient in soft drinks, it is used in small amounts in most other products.

Kernel of Truth: 11 cents worth of corn can be found in your morning cereal. Most of our corn crop is used to feed livestock or ethanol plants. Only a small part goes to the food sector. For example, one bushel of corn produces thirty-eight 12 oz. boxes.

Kernel of Truth: 28 cents worth of corn goes into the production of each dozen of eggs. Iowa is the No. 1 producer of corn, pork, and eggs. Being located close to where the corn grows gives egg producers an advantage when sourcing feed supplies.

Kernel of Truth: Ethanol production creates jobs, rural economic activity, clean air, and lower fuel costs (45 cents per gallon!) Not a bad bargain -- consumers can help save the environment, create jobs, fuel Iowa’s economy, and keep our fuel dollars in the United States.

Special Iowa Corn Promotion Board Flyer