A forward-thinking vision for North Iowa
Despite facing challenges during a pandemic, Vision North Iowa partners are optimistic for the future as the area works towards recovery
Posted: Feb 24, 2021 8:30 PM
Updated: Feb 25, 2021 6:10 AM
Posted By: Alex Jirgens
MASON CITY, Iowa - North Iowa has had to face its fair share of challenges due to the events of the last year.
During today s State of North Iowa report, Vision North Iowa leaders and partners came together to hear about the area s response throughout 2020. Businesses in the tourism, retail and personal services sectors were hit hard financially as a result of impacts from stay-at-home orders, mandated closures and capacity limits.
iStock: photosbyjim Higher corn prices are roiling the U.S. ethanol industry, but the full impact of the corn price spike might not be felt for weeks. The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) recently estimated that about two dozen of the 200 ethanol plants in the U.S. are idled and another two dozen have reduced their production rates. Additionally, Scott Richman, chief economist for the RFA, noted, “The corn market started moving higher a month ago and has spiked over the past couple of days.” With the higher prices of corn and the worsening impact of the pandemic on fuel consumption, ethanol plant margins turned negative in early December, he said, and had recently started to return to break-even levels when the most recent corn price spike hit. “This latest move in the corn rally will likely have a negative impact on margins,” he stated.