Nebraska Ethanol Industry

Nebraska's first ethanol plant, now known as Chief Ethanol Fuels in Hastings, began production in January, 1985. Since that time, the ethanol industry in the state has grown dramatically—creating a new market for nearly one-third of Nebraska’s corn production, creating new jobs in rural communities, and creating a valuable new industry that generates local and state tax revenue.

Nebraska will soon be the second largest ethanol producing state in the nation—and it is the largest ethanol producing state west of the Missouri River. This location, combined with a large corn crop and competitive rail transportation, puts Nebraska in a prime position to serve key ethanol markets in California, the Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest.