The Journal Star’s anti-corn, anti-ethanol campaign continues withthe Sept. 21 article headlined “Environmental group raises water-ethanol concerns.” The focus of the article is a new report from a group called Environmental Defense that examines the impact of biofuels on natural resources, specifically ethanol production on the Great Plains and the Ogallala Aquifer.

While it makes for a sensational headline, the report fails to offer many specifics and even acknowledges “numerous assumptions … due to lack of information.” We feel compelled to add some badly needed perspective to the issue of water usage by corn producers:

n  Yes, irrigated corn may use around 325,000 gallons per acre per year. Did you know it takes 684,000 gallons of water per acre per year to irrigate a golf course? Or that, on average, a homeowner uses 21,600 gallons to water his or her lawn each year? Which is more important — producing food, fuel and fiber, or keeping our fairways green?

n  Nearly 40 percent of the corn acres in Nebraska are nonirrigated, relying solely on rainwater. Even on irrigated acres only a portion of the water needed to raise corn is supplied by irrigation. Across the United States, 86 percent of corn does not utilize irrigation.

n  Irrigation efficiency has improved dramatically in the past 20 years. Farmers have adopted reduced-tillage practices, which help to conserve moisture. They are also converting from flood irrigation to center-pivot systems, which are much more water efficient. Those farmers with pivots are continually trying new water-saving techniques such as low-pressure nozzles.

n  Back in grade school, we all learned about water transpiration. As a corn plant grows, it takes in water, but it also transpires water, releasing it into the atmosphere and starting the hydrologic cycle all over again. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an acre of corn gives off 3,000-4,000 gallons of water each day through transpiration.

n  Our local natural resource districts are doing a good job of monitoring water usage by irrigators. They are constantly checking water tables, and many districts in the state have implemented agricultural water use limitations. Remember, we are just coming out of a seven-year drought. As rainfall returns to normal, water supplies will be replenished.

n  Just what do we get in return for the water used to grow corn? A bushel of corn produces three gallons of ethanol and 18 pounds of distillers grains that can be fed to livestock. Or it can be used to make 68 boxes of cereal. Or it can be turned into 22.4 pounds of corn-based plastic, which is more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based plastic.

Those who want to blame the expansion of ethanol for increased water usage are ignoring the fact that corn is going to be produced in Nebraska whether or not there is an ethanol industry. And that those same acres will likely be irrigated whether they are growing corn, soybeans or any other crop.

They also fail to mention the tremendous economic benefits ethanol has brought to our state. Recent figures provided by the Nebraska Public Power District show that the ethanol industry in Nebraska has created more than 700 permanent jobs at ethanol plants. An additional 1,500 have been indirectly created in related industries and from increased economic activity created by the ethanol industry.

The NPPD also estimates that, in 2006, Nebraska’s then-12 ethanol plants generated more than $18 million in tax revenues. Recent numbers indicate that ethanol has also added nearly $1.8 billion in economic output in the state. And with every new plant that comes on line, those numbers continue to increase.

A good example is the town of Madrid, which Environmental Defense called an example of “questionable siting.” The Madrid ethanol plant has brought 40 new jobs to a town of 250 people. It has created a tremendous new market option for corn producers in southwest Nebraska, and local cattle feeders are eagerly utilizing the distillers grains produced by the plant. Try telling the folks in and around Madrid that this is a “questionable siting.”

In closing, isn’t it ironic that this report came out the same week the Grand Island officials are investigating ways to lower the groundwater table under the city? One city official said Grand Island’s groundwater table is at its highest level in 23 years.

Go figure.

Jon Holzfaster of Paxton is chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board.