Corn Growers Fuel Ethanol Innovation in Ag Equipment

Corn growers' checkoff dollars are driving new research that could open major markets for ethanol in the equipment farmers use every day. Support from National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and its state corn grower associations has allowed Clemson University and John Deere to move forward on a cutting-edge Department of Energy (DOE) project, despite federal funding delays.

Project Overview

The three-year effort, titled Development and Demonstration of a Low GHG Emissions Hybrid Power Module for Off-Road Vehicles, will develop and test hybrid ag vehicles powered by ethanol and ethanol-gasoline blends like E85 and E98. The work will culminate in the demonstration of a hybrid sprayer designed to reduce total cost of ownership by more than 10% while increasing functionality and lowering greenhouse gas emissions compared to today's diesel machines.

Progress on the Ground

Even as DOE funding remains on hold under administrative review, Deere and Clemson are already advancing. Deere has shipped a 6.8L engine-identical to those used in tractors and sprayers-to Clemson, where it has been installed on a dynamometer. Researchers have baselined the engine on diesel combustion and are preparing for first fired operation on ethanol in the next few months. Additionally, modeling ethanol combustion through advanced computer simulations is ongoing in parallel.

Thanks to corn grower contributions, Clemson was able to build out the vital subsystems-oil, coolant, fuel, intake, and exhaust-that make this Deere engine a dedicated ethanol research platform.

What It Means for Farmers

This project signals a future where ethanol isn't just blended into fuel but powers the very machines that plant, spray and harvest crops. By proving ethanol's value in off-road applications, corn growers are helping create:

• New demand for corn through expanded ethanol markets.
• Lower operating costs for farmers via hybrid technology.
• Cleaner, U.S.-grown fuel powering equipment in the field

Research is slated to begin this Fall. NCGA will continue to provide updates as it progresses.