Vital Magazine - Summer 2020 by Vital Magazine

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE Summer 2020

Biofuels Are The Key For Successful Agriculture Successful ag can solve the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s toughest challenges

Changing the World, One Bushel at a Time COVID-19 and Air Quality: Pandemic response must include clean air initiatives like increased use of biofuels

COLUMNS 03

In Sight

By Jeff Broin

Nascar® Update

by Ryan Welsh

Mechanics Corner

Automotive Advice from the Under the Hood radio show

Farm Fresh

by Brian Hefty

Out Of Left Field

by Scott Johnson

DEPARTMENTS 06

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FEATURES 10

Air Quality and Lung Health

Never Satisfied Class of 2020

COVID-19 response calls for continued support for clean air

There’s no limit to what they’ll achieve in the years to come

Changing the World, One Bushel at a Time

POET’s Guide to Local Elections

Farmers support farmers through Grain for Change

020 will see multiple gubernatorial, 2 senate and house elections throughout POET’s footprint

28 Biofuels are the Catalyst to Successful Agriculture Successful and profitable agriculture is the key to solving the world’s toughest challenges: Climate change, hunger and poverty

In the spirit of its continued commitment to being good stewards of the environment, POET is proud to produce Vital using 100% recycled paper, with eco-friendly soy-based ink.

Visit VitalByPOET.com for exclusive online content.

novozymes.com/bioenergy

IN SIGHT

This is our time Biofuels can power a better future by Jeff Broin, Founder and CEO of POET I have many fond memories of growing up on my family’s

was mostly due to the fact that countries all over the world

farm in southeast Minnesota, most of which took place

experienced an abrupt reduction in transportation and

outdoors: baling hay with the family, long days combining

industrial output, cutting more than a billion tons of carbon

corn, drinking fresh milk straight from the bulk tank, and –

emissions. In a matter of weeks, average daily emissions

on those rare days we had some free time – riding dirt bikes

plunged an unprecedented 17 percent around the globe; in

with my brothers or floating in the pool my dad built in our

some nations the decline was even greater.

backyard. Looking back now, I realize that as kids we didn’t understand how blessed we were to grow up where we did.

But as everyday life has begun to resume in many areas and

There was a lot about that rural setting we probably took

drivers are hitting the road once again, carbon emissions

for granted, perhaps the most important of which was the

are surging back to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, by mid-

crisp, clean air we’d breathe in each morning as we headed

June global emissions levels had rebounded swiftly to

out to milk the cows.

roughly 5% below 2019 levels. And emissions will continue to bounce back.

Having spent much of my adult life traveling outside the Midwest, I now know that a majority of Americans don’t

Unless we make some lasting changes.

get to experience the simple pleasure of breathing fresh air;

Empower your tomorrow Your actions today define your tomorrow. Have you asked yourself, “What will I change?”

people living in urban areas spend their lives surrounded

This year has been unlike any we’ve experienced before.

by clouds of toxins, carcinogens, and hundreds of fossil

Our view of the world has been forever altered, and many

energy pollutants.

of our daily habits have changed significantly.

In just a few decades, clean air has become

Now it’s time for biofuels and agriculture to

a luxury that few can afford – and human

come above the radar. It’s time for us to show

health is paying the price.

the world that — for the sake of our planet

You need teamwork and biological diversity to ensure you’re getting not only more, but the most from your bio-refinery – whether that’s yield, upgraded co-products, fiber conversion, or new opportunities.

Studies show that the particulate matter released by the burning of BTEX – a significant component of gasoline – is

and our health — we need to make one more simple change moving forward: our fuel.

linked to a slew of serious health problems, from asthma to cardiovascular disease and even various cancers. And

Let’s not squander all the progress that was made this year

there’s nothing like a global pandemic to prove just how

toward repairing our air quality and reversing climate

important it is to do all we can to maintain healthy lungs

change. Let’s keep our skies clear, our Earth clean, and

Tomorrow’s superheroes are made today.

and a healthy immune system.

our loved ones healthy. We know that biofuels are the best

novozymes.com/bioenergy

When shutdowns and stay-at-home orders went into effect

available solution to do all this and more. It’s time to take our seat at the table and power the world to a better future.

earlier this year, Mother Nature breathed a visible sigh of relief. Smog-blanketed cities cleared up drastically, bodies of water surged with marine life, and the environment was noticeably more in sync with its inherent rhythm. This

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

ENERGY FOR LIFE

TAKE HEART AND NEVER LOSE FAITH by Melissa Fletcher, Spiritual Care Advisor, POET

pay particular attention to this portion — “I have told

There is a mountain in our path, and we have a choice.

that God has not left us. Instead, He goes before us to

you all this so that you may have peace in me.” We are

We can let fear grip us to the point of becoming

prepare the way, He stands behind us to guard and

indeed experiencing trials and sorrows. We are trying

paralyzed and ineffective, or we can get a little courage,

protect us, and when we are weary, that is when He

to cope the best we can, and yet we long for peace. My

regain our focus and put one foot in front of the other

carries us. My friends, receive His peace, take heart

prayer for you and for every person across this world is

to keep moving ahead and up this mountain. For me,

and don’t lose faith, for He has overcome the world!

that we find peace that is offered not in the world, but

I’m going to choose moving forward, and I hope you

through Him.

do too. Someday, we will all look back on this and see

A lot has changed over the last few months and life as we knew it has slowly faded into the background. I’ve

There was a time when our family was on a hiking trip.

heard many people say, “It’s time to get back to normal.”

My husband challenged us to hike a steep, narrow path

But, what is “normal,” and do we really want to return

up the side of the mountain. It didn’t look too daunting

to it? Now, let me be clear, the coronavirus pandemic

at first as long as I kept my eyes on the path. But, if

has wreaked havoc in our lives and has brought about

my eyes wandered to the right, my gaze was met with

many challenges, trials and tribulations. Loss of life

what appeared to me as a sheer cliff that nearly took

has occurred, economic stress permeates households,

my breath away. As we made our way up the mountain,

and families have had to adjust to a “new normal, ” and

I tried to keep my focus, but the higher we went, the

I don’t want to ignore those hardships. Many more are

more fear began to grip me. The air was thinner, the

weary and feeling the stress of the burdens they are

path was narrow, and I began to realize that I really did

carrying. We are also seeing political and civil unrest

have a fear of heights. And then it happened…I let my

and great division sweeping across our land. These

focus get off the path and instead it fell on two tiny red

things grieve us and make us long for our former way

dots at the base of the mountain…two people in rain

of life. We may even feel discouraged and wonder,

coats! I FROZE! Fear gripped me and I was paralyzed

“Where is God?”

to the point that I thought they would have to fly in a

all of this upheaval, and you didn’t even notice it. The people who are going to come out of this on top of their health are the ones who take an active role in creating their own new normal. What did you learn about yourself during this time? Was there something you thought you couldn’t live without that now seems replaceable? What things were you forced to change that actually worked out better now that you changed them? I’ve heard from plenty of people that found out that they

helicopter to get me off the side of the mountain.

can cook pretty easily and don’t need to

Yet, in the midst of the chaos and struggles, have you ever thought that we are in a divine pause or being

But then, I felt a gentle hand grip mine and I heard a

given a time for a divine reset? We live in a fast-paced

soft voice from my young son who said to me, “Mommy,

world and most people would say they don’t have time

I believe in you! Get a little courage! Just put one foot in

to do the things they want to do. Life passes so quickly

front of the other and get up this mountain!” And that

and we don’t take the time to really enjoy it. We take

is all it took. I regained my focus, took a deep breath

many things for granted, including our family, friends,

and followed my son up the mountain. The view at the

employment, food on the table, peace and even our faith.

top was breathtaking. And today we can look back and

Yet, this pandemic has forced us to slow down. We have

chuckle and remember what a great journey we had.

been given the opportunity to spend more quality time at home with our families. We have learned to value and appreciate the little things in life like spending time with friends, going out to eat or to the movies, our health, worshiping together,

week. Were there things you “never have time for” that you’ve been able to make

YOUR NEW NORMAL

time for? Can you prioritize those things and keep

by Cole Fricke, Wellness Coordinator, POET

up again with some intention. What parts of life didn’t

“New normal” gets thrown around a lot these days,

a good excuse to start to change some of those habits

almost so much that we lose sight of what that can

and environments. It’s like going to college or starting a

actually mean for us. Everyone’s trying to tell you what

new job. It’s a clean slate, a new page, a fresh start and

the “new normal” will be, and that we’ll have to adjust.

you’re in charge.

them up going forward? Maybe you get out and bike or hike more. Maybe you’re able to play more with your kids. Maybe your neglected hobby can be picked back you like before that you can change now? You’ve got

Of course there are going to be new constraints that

classrooms with teachers and friends, regular

are out of our hands, but that doesn’t mean we should

People can focus on all of the negative things that have

hugs, and do I dare say toilet paper?

let that dictate everything in our lives. Heck, now

happened, but I see it as an opportunity to turn over a

more than ever we should want to take ownership of

new leaf. Sometimes, when we’re really challenged to

In John 16:33, Jesus says this to His disciples:

the things we can control. Are you going to let it be a

take a look at our lives, we can see through the junk we

passive new normal, or an active new normal? There

tell ourselves to what really matters in our lives.

in-person business meetings, sporting events,

I have told you all this so that you may have

are going to be plenty of things we can’t control, but

peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Jesus was preparing His disciples for what was to come — trials, tribulations and sorrow. But, I want you to

stop for fast food or go out to eat 5 nights a

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don’t let your lack of input on those things seep into the

It all comes down to what you want the “new normal”

things you can control. Passivity has a huge impact on

to be: do you want your new normal, or do you want

your mental, physical and spiritual health. It probably

somebody else’s idea of what your new normal should

has already played a big part in your life even before

be?

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

opportunity is everywhere if you know where to look

POET.COM

At POET, the workday ends, but the work never does. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re using renewable resources and our endless passion to create biofuels, nutrient-rich protein and oil alternatives.

PARTICULATE MATTER 2.5

AIR QUALITY and LUNG HEALTH

Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles such as dust, dirt, or smoke are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small that they can only be detected using an electron microscope. Because PM can range in size, it is classified into two categories; PM10 and PM2.5. PM10 refers to inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller. PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles with diameters generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. To provide some context for these sizes, the average human hair is approximately 70 micrometers in diameter, making it 30 times larger than the largest fine particle. Due to the microscopic size of PM2.5 once it is inhaled the lungs have a particularly hard time filtering the particles, which contributes to diminished respiratory health. PM of any size is generally associated with the following health impacts:

COVID-19 RESPONSE CALLS FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR CLEAN AIR by Angela Tin, National Senior Director, Clean Air Initiatives, American Lung Association Satellite

images

cleaner

air

being compared, and the purpose of

over major global cities have been

the message being portrayed.

widely circulated in recent news.

As the oldest voluntary public

Anecdotal evidence seems to support

health organization, the American

that while total mortality numbers

Lung Association was created in

associated

COVID-19

1904 to improve lung health through

pandemic continue to increase, the

the betterment of air quality for all.

environment seems to be improving.

Transportation-related

While it is true that fewer gas-fueled

have become a primary focal point for

vehicles might be on the roads due to

the American Lung Association in the

shelter-in-place orders, diesel trucks,

past 15 years because transportation

buses and freight hub traffic has

emissions

largely remained consistent. There

improved.

are a number of factors that could be

Researchers in multiple countries

influencing reports of improving or

are exploring the apparent correlation

declining environmental conditions

between the COVID-19 pandemic and

during the pandemic. These include

environmental conditions. A recent

the lack of sufficient data, differences

study by Harvard’s T.H. Chan School

in data interpretation, the basis for the

of Public Health concluded that there

comparisons, the types of pollutants

is a significant correlation between

with

the

can

emissions

realistically

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Transportation emissions typically contribute to particulate matter, ozone, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and air toxics concentrations.

OZONE In contrast to PM, tropospheric or ground level, ozone is not emitted directly into the air. Instead, tropospheric ozone is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds. Ozone is created when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, refineries, and other sources chemically react in sunlight. Ozone is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot, sunny days in urban environments, but high ozone levels are still possible during colder months and in rural areas. Exposure to high ozone levels can: • Cause coughing and sore or scratchy throat; • Inflame and damage the airways; • Aggravate lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis; • Cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

CARBON DIOXIDE

• Premature death in people with heart or lung disease, • Nonfatal heart attacks, • Aggravated asthma, and • Decreased lung function.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

Carbon dioxide (CO2) enters the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels and certain chemical reactions. Carbon dioxide is generally removed from the atmosphere when it is absorbed by plants; however, an overabundance of CO2 contributes to greenhouse gas formation. Greenhouse gases can remain in the atmosphere for different amounts of time, ranging from a few years to thousands of years.

Transportation emissions also contribute to high levels of air toxics called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are compounds that are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects. Examples of mobile source air toxic VOCs include benzene and formaldehyde. Health impacts of air toxic pollutants at harmful concentrations and qualifying durations can include: • Increased cancer risk • Damage to the immune system;    • Neurological disorders; • Developmental disorders; and • Respiratory health problems.

NITROGEN DIOXIDE Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is another pollutant that is primarily released into the air through the combustion of fuel used for transportation. As a member of a group of highly reactive gases known as nitrogen oxides, NO2 is used as the indicator for the larger group and contributes to the formation of tropospheric ozone.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

Regardless of whether you live in

on reducing PM2.5 emissions from

concentrations. This was particularly

vehicles. This previous research was

evident in largely African American

conducted with help from the Hormel

and

Institute, the University of Minnesota,

Chicago’s expressway corridors.

a leading cancer research department

“The UIC Study may in hindsight

Dr. Steffen Mueller, of UIC, found that increasing the blend of ethanol

location, between

beyond 10% up to 25% significantly

40-60% of total

PM2.5 emissions from the combustion

pollutant emissions

takes the next step and directly links

reduces cancer-causing aromatic and of fuel in vehicles. The Harvard Study high levels of these emissions to

can be attributed

increased vulnerability to contracting

to transportation

COVID-19.

sources.

emissions

(EPA) to set National Ambient Air

matter (PM 2.5) emissions from cars

Quality

and increased mortality for COVID-19

pollutants considered to be harmful

patients. This link between pollution

to public health and the environment.

and COVID-19 deaths was previously

These

documented by a group of Italian

to provide for protection against

researchers as well.

exposure to harmful levels of six

In order to understand how these

criteria

studies operate, it is important to

particulate matter, ozone, carbon

review

monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide and

the

correlation

between

Standards

standards

air

(NAAQS)

were

pollutants,

for

designed

including

transportation emissions and human

nitrogen

dioxide.

Transportation

health. Regardless of whether you live

emissions

typically

contribute

in an urban or rural location, between

particulate matter, ozone, carbon

40-60% of total pollutant emissions

dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and air

can be attributed to transportation

toxics concentrations.

sources.

The Harvard Study corroborates

regulate Clean

Air

Environmental

overlaying

model

data, the UIC study

high concentrations of fine particulate

ethanol’s ability to reduce PM2.5

and part of the Masonic Cancer Center.

an urban or rural

the

benefits of higher blends of ethanol

these Act

emissions,

requires

Protection

and reinforces previous research

the

conducted at the University of Illinois

Agency

at Chicago (UIC), which reflects the

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atmospheric over

census

Latinx

neighborhoods

near

People who live,

provide insights into a potential link

work, or attend

rate from COVID-19 deaths in PM2.5

school near major

the Harvard Study and the recent

roadways are more

for minorities in the Chicago and

likely to experience

between the much higher mortality polluted

areas

documented

data on high COVID-19 death rates Northwest Indiana area,” Mueller said, “Obviously, PM2.5 emissions are

increased exposure

just one important variable besides

to mobile emissions.

other factors that impact COVID-19.”

documented

preexisting health conditions and Similar to trends that have become evident with the spread of COVID-19,

Dr. Steffen Mueller, of UIC, found that increasing the blend of ethanol beyond 10% up to 25% significantly reduces cancer-causing aromatic and PM2.5 emissions from the combustion of fuel in vehicles.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

Angela Tin blends of ethanol.

school near major roadways are

When

more likely to experience increased

are fully lifted and it is time to start

professional with a Bachelor’s

exposure

emissions.

driving again, it is important to

Degree in Physiology and

Children, older adults, those with

consider what we can do to improve

a Master’s Degree in Cell

preexisting cardiopulmonary disease,

our air. E15 (a biofuel blend of 15%

and those with low socioeconomic

ethanol) — also sold as Unleaded 88 —

Biology. She has worked for

status are among those at higher risk

has been approved for year-round use

for health impacts from air pollution

in 2001 and newer passenger vehicles

near roadways.

by the EPA, and E85 (a biofuel blend

Agency, in managerial and

Healthy lungs are our first defense

of 85% ethanol), is approved for use

policy levels in the Bureaus of

against

and

in all flex-fuel vehicles. Higher blends

Air, Land, and Water. As the

viruses like COVID-19, and it is

of ethanol, such as E15 and E85 (in

current National Senior Director

important to ensure that the air

addition to midlevel blends of E20

we breathe is as clean as possible.

and E30), provide additional octane

for Clean Air Initiatives for the

Reducing PM2.5 emissions, which

and lower VOCs and other controlled

have been directly linked with the

emissions.

spread of COVID-19, can help reduce

mobile

respiratory

illnesses

shelter-in-place

orders

Regulatory Compliance

over 20 years for the Illinois Environmental Protection

Providing Technologies that Bring More than Food to the Table

American Lung Association, Angela is primarily responsible

Our processes and equipment contribute to thousands of products people use every day...from immune-boosting juices to

provide emission reductions without

for managing and prioritizing

the wine we drink in celebration. Even the condiments on our burgers, the cheese on our sandwiches and the vegetables that

our vulnerability.

necessitating

changes,

environmental projects. For the

nourish us are processed with GEA equipment. Going beyond food, GEA solutions are put to use in power plants, on all types

The transportation sector provides

making them a common-sense option

past 15 years, she has partnered

two

for the betterment of air quality.

with industry, state and local

areas

which

emission

These

ethanol

lifestyle

blends

reductions can be achieved; through

The

improvements in engine technologies

undeniable, and it is important that

and the use of alternative fuels.

we as a society do everything we can

Vehicle technologies are constantly

to improve our chances of winning the

being improved, but more can be done

battle against future pandemics. After

to contribute to emission reductions

all, we all need clean air to breathe.

by using renewable fuels like higher

is an Environmental and

people who live, work, or attend

impact

COVID-19

agencies in the promotion of

of boats and in water treatment plants. What’s more, sustainability and environmental conservation are key in each and every process we develop. That’s why our commitment to provide the separating technology required to produce renewable biofuels and agricultural co-products is as

outdoor and indoor air quality

strong as ever. To learn more about GEA’s centrifuges and separation equipment and the industries we serve, email us at

programs.

sales.unitedstates@gea.com, call 800-722-6622, or visit us online at gea.com.

POET PAC

Congressman Roger Marshall proudly represents 63 counties across central, western, and northern Kansas. With numerous biofuel plants in his district, the Congressman has been actively engaged in advancing the future of biofuels.

As a fifth generation farm kid, why is the biofuels industry important to you and the state of Kansas?

E15, support for the USDA’s Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, as well as the continued build out of infrastructure to deliver E15 and higher blends to more Kansas communities. I recently introduced H.R. 6671, the Clean Fuels Deployment Act, which would establish a grant

I consider myself very lucky to have experiences in

program to help in the deployment of infrastructure that

production agriculture – from my family’s farm to the El

would increase the use of higher blends of ethanol and

Dorado Sale Barn, I was raised with an appreciation for

biodiesel across the country.

farmers and ranchers and carry that appreciation with

We talked with Rep. Marshall about the significance of the biofuel industry in Kansas and how we can

me now as a member of Congress. Today the agriculture industry accounts for nearly 60% of my state’s economic output, and nearly 25% of Kansas’ corn is used for biofuel production. Outside of creating demand for our corn and

continue to build out the infrastructure needed to

other crops, biofuel plants are some of the largest employers

offer higher blends at the pump.

If you could share one last message with our readers who are invested in the future of Agriculture, what would that message be?

in the communities in which they are located and provide high-paying, quality jobs across rural Kansas.

The agriculture industry is alive and well, and today’s farmers and ranchers are some of the most innovative and

Can you tell our readers a little about yourself?

resourceful business owners I have ever seen. Farmers

an environmentally friendly fuel option for Kansas drivers

have weathered some difficult times but I still see optimism

that directly supports Kansas farmers.

and hope for the future when I meet with our producers and farm families, many of which have been farming for

outdoors and spend as much time as possible at my I currently serve as the Congressman for Kansas’ Big 1st

family’s farm near the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

District. In Washington, I sit on the House Agriculture

and Cheyenne Bottoms.

Committee as well as the Science, Space and Technology Committee. I am also the co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus and am proud to say that I have visited all 10 biofuel plants in Kansas and have been an advocate for the biofuels industry within my district, state and across the country. My wife, Laina, and I have been married for 36 years and are the proud parents of four children and two grandchildren. I am a fifth generation farm kid, with 100-year-old farms on both sides of my family. After graduating from Butler County Community College, I received my bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University and my Medical Doctorate from the University of Kansas.

In an effort to support emergency efforts for Covid-19 you spent some time on the front lines. Can you tell us a little more about that experience?

The biofuels industry is working to build out the infrastructure needed to offer higher blends at the pump. How have you supported this effort, and do you think E15 will become the new E10?

their entire lives and hope to leave their farms for the next generation.

Yes, I am confident that once E15 becomes more readily available across the state, more drivers will see the benefits

As a physician, I felt it was important to volunteer my time

of a higher blend fuel that is not only cleaner burning but

and training to fighting this pandemic. I volunteered in two

also less expensive than traditional fuels.

different settings: a COVID clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, and a rural hospital in Liberal, Kansas. During both experiences

Since coming to Congress, I have advocated for the

I worked alongside hard working, empathetic and selfless

growth of the ethanol industry – including year-round

health care workers who were putting their lives on the line every day to serve others.

I served in the Army Reserve for seven years, training medical units for deployment to the Middle East. I moved to Great Bend, Kansas, and practiced medicine there for more than 25 years. During that time I also got involved in production agriculture, community development and community banking.

During my visit to Southwest Kansas, I saw some of the most

Want to get involved? Join POET PAC today.

comprehensive community testing efforts in the country. Through aggressive testing, cooperation among the public and private sectors and great support from the federal government, communities in Southwest Kansas were able

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(605) 965-2377

poetpac@poet.com

to not only slow the curve — they took the top right off it.

Faith, family and community continue to be pillars of my life. My wife and I are active in our church and I have coached numerous community and youth sports teams over the years. I am a proud Rotarian, having served as a District Governor and as a part of many mission trips to help those in need around the world. I also have a passion for the

But the ethanol industry is more than jobs; it also provides

My volunteer experiences were both humbling and informative. As a member of Congress, it is my job to ensure that our health care providers have the resources they need to continue to help their patients by providing access to proper equipment and testing.

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Contributions to POET PAC are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to POET PAC will be used in connection with federal elections and are subject to the limits and prohibitions of federal law. The maximum an individual may contribute to POET PAC is $5,000 per year ($10,000 per couple). Corporate and foreign national contributions are not permitted under federal law. Please make checks payable to POET PAC. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to obtain and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 per calendar year. Your contribution to POET PAC is strictly voluntary.

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THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

Changing the World,

photo by Greg Latza

OnE Bushel at a Time Farmers support farmers through GrainforChange by Alicia ElMamouni

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THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

On the left is a field of corn grown using traditionally Kenyan methods. On the right is a photo (taken the same day) of a plot of land farmed with Mission Grow techniques.

Arrowroot is a staple crop for many farmers in Kenya.

bushel may or may not

transformational change

for an average of just $9

measurement to you, but

familiar

term

per person! This change

for a farmer in Kenya, a

flows into families and

bushel represents a unit of potential.

contributes to improved

A bushel translates into dollars that

nutrition and school fees

provide education, resources and

for children. It ripples

training.

into communities when

Here in the U.S., when a farmer

farmers

donates a gift of grain through a Seeds

spend money at local

of Change initiative called Grain for

businesses, and surges

Change, those bushels of corn can be

through

transformed into dollars that support

the potential to shape

agricultural projects in Kenya. As these

donations accumulate, they begin

and

to transform lives and communities

opportunity

in Africa, uniting farmers in the U.S.

generations to come.

with farmers across the world – and it

This transformation is

all starts with a bushel of corn.

evident when you visit

POET’s global nonprofit, Seeds of

Oliver’s farm. Oliver lives

Change, has a vision that never tires

in Western Kenya and

of expansion. It aspires to join with as

has implemented many

many people as possible, increasing

of the improved farming

its expansion by inviting others to

techniques

become part of the impact, creating

through Mission Grow

meaningful

able

regions

healthier greater

with

landscape economic for

taught

sustainable

over the past several

difference in the lives of individuals

years. The improvements

around the world.

extend

With this goal in mind, Seeds of

corn

Change started a program in the fall

the many products on

of 2018 called Grain for Change. The

his land you will find

initiative

sweet potatoes, pigeon

was

and

are

specifically

created

far

beyond

alone;

among

to encourage farmers in the POET

peas,

footprint to support farmers in Kenya,

arrowroot,

which is home to Mission Grow —

(a grass for dairy cows),

one of the core programs Seeds of

pigs, chickens, cattle and

Change implements that focuses on

more!

developing sustainable agricultural

practices for sub-subsistence farmers.

expanded his operation

Through Mission Grow, local farmers

but has also diversified,

learn how to implement simple,

which

effective

him

farming

techniques

that

grevillea

trees,

brachiaria

has

not

will

only

protect

the

create opportunities for them to feed

drought

event

their families and have excess produce

He has plans to start a

to sell for supplemental income.

small dairy and meat

One of the most astonishing things

cooperative for his local

about Mission Grow is that it creates

community members to

disease.

Oliver, a farmer in Western Kenya, has greatly improved his farming operation by implementing Mission Grow methodology. photos by Greg Latza

photos by Brian Koch 20

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

take advantage of as well. It is clear

for Change can be found at most

Donating is a simple process for

small amount of grain. There are also

the Broin family has done to set up

that Oliver has been empowered

locations, either near the entrance

anyone who currently sells grain

tax implications for producers, as they

something like this to help out those

by the resources provided to him

road or by the grains building.

to POET. Producers simply tell the

are able to report the contribution and

less fortunate.”

through Mission Grow. He passes

These are a visual representation

scale master the percentage of corn

deduct the cost of production without

The power of Grain for Change

this knowledge on to his neighbors,

of the opportunity that exists for

that they want to donate to Grain for

assuming the income tax on donated

comes alive through the partnership

enhancing their farming operations

POET producers – sharing the need,

Change from each load they bring in.

bushels.

with POET producers. With many

and bringing greater wealth to the

showing the impact a bushel of grain

The donated amount—which can be

Overall, the program has been a

people helping out in even a small

entire community.

can make and asking for partnership.

a one-time gift or a small percentage

unique way for farmers to get involved

way, the enormous task of changing

Oliver is not alone in his success.

Each participating biorefinery also

and make a difference. Commodity

people’s lives in a meaningful way

All over Kenya, farmers like Oliver

has a corn cob ‘thermometer’ to

Manager Jason Wambach said, “This

becomes far less daunting. And a

are benefiting from the resources

proudly display how many bushels

is a bright spot for producers; to be

simple bushel of corn turns into

and

through

have been donated from the location’s

able to help people out on an entirely

unlimited potential to grow change

Mission Grow — none of which would

producer network and the resulting

different continent. This program

for individuals across the globe, for

be possible without the support of

dollar amount.

provides

generations to come.

many faithful donors and partners.

Kelly Kjelden, the General Manager

As Seeds of Change looks to expand

at POET Biorefining – Groton, says

education

provided

“This is a bright spot for producers; to be able to help people out on an entirely different continent.”

of each load that comes to the plant — will then be deducted from the total grain weight. The percentage of grain is translated into dollars, based on the number of bushels and the price of its positive impact, initiatives such as

that for his community, the main way

corn for the day.

Grain for Change are imperative for

to garner participation is awareness

100%

spreading awareness and getting local

of the program and sharing with

communities involved.

the into

donated Mission

dollars Grow

producers how far a dollar can go

programming to provide education

POET

through Grain for Change, noting,

and resources for Kenyan farmers.

biorefineries are actively working

“Just a few bushels can make a

Another amazing thing about Grain

to promote Grain for Change. Today,

huge difference.” That might be an

for Change is that each dollar donated

you might notice something new at

understatement; if only 1% of the corn

is matched by POET over the next three

POET’s biorefineries when you drive

brought in across the POET network

years! Not only are farmers in the U.S.

past or pull up to drop a load of grain.

was donated, Grain for Change could

able to make an impact, but they can

Three large signs advertising Grain

help an additional 370,000 farmers!

double that impact by donating even a

Across

directly

the

Midwest,

VITALBYPOET.COM

fun

and

interesting

opportunity for our producers to participate.” For Frank Martin in Missouri, the choice was simple. “There are a lot of people that are needy in the world and we are not needy for the most part; it was a way to share some of my bounty. I really appreciate what

To get involved today, contact your local POET grain buyer or scale master, or reach out to: Macy Kaiser at Seeds of Change E: m.kaiser@seedsofchange.org P: 605-366-6974

RENEW

In May 2020, operations began at POET’s newest biorefinery in Shelbyville, IN. POET Biorefining — Shelbyville is POET’s 28th biorefinery. The facility will have a production capacity of 85 million gallons of ethanol annually and will consume approximately 28 million bushels of local corn adding $2.8 million in additional value to over 900 area farmers. The biorefinery will employ 44 fulltime team members. Due to COVID-19, a grand opening will be scheduled later in the year. In March, members of POET’s executive team visited POET Biorefining —Shelbyville to view the facility and meet team members.

Shelbyville start up team at the plant.

Team members getting the lab set up.

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

RENEW

US Representative Greg Pence tours POET Biorefining-Shelbyville.

The team comes together for initial training.

VITALBYPOET.COM

BIOFUELS ARE THE CATALYST FOR SUCCESSFUL AGRICULTURE

VITALBYPOET.COM

Successful and profitable agriculture is key to solving some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most pressing issues like climate change, poverty, hunger and disease. by Doug Berven, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, POET

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

ith

challenges

unpredictable

carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the

weather patterns, international trade

plant above and below the ground. By incorporating a few

wars, regulatory uncertainty at home

existing technologies and practices, agriculture in the U.S.

and now a global pandemic, to say it

today has an enormous potential to become a carbon sink.

is harder than ever to be an American

Low-till, no-till and ridge-till farming leave crop residue

farmer would be a vast understatement. It is even harder

in the fields after harvest and increase the soil’s carbon

to be a profitable American farmer.

content. The heavy residue cover protects the soil from

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

erosion and provides an excellent environment for soil

forecasts 2020-21 year-end U.S. corn stocks at 3.32 billion

microbes and earthworms, who take the leftover carbon

bushels, up more than a billion from the current year and

from the surface and incorporate it deep into the soil.

the most since the farm crisis of the 1980s.

These practices, along with planting cover crops, precision

This surplus grain is not due to expanding agricultural

farming and other techniques that reduce soil disturbance,

fields. We’re simply producing more on current land in

all improve the carbon sequestration capacity of the soil.

production. Innovation on existing land has enabled yields

They also help to restore and protect soil health, which

to continue to increase, year after year. The USDA’s forecast

allows farmers to use less fertilizer and provide the same

assumes an average yield of 178.5 bushels per acre, up

amount of nutrients to their crops.

from last year’s 167.8, which was depressed significantly

If agriculture is successful, farmers have the ability

due to a historically wet spring and late planting season. In

to invest in these practices that can help reverse the

a healthy market, increasing yields would be a good thing

devastating effects of climate change. According to the

for our farmers. However, the USDA also forecasts a 2020-

U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), American

21 year-average corn price of only $3.20 per bu., down from

farmland stores 100 times more carbon than the U.S.

$3.60 in the current year.

emits every year, so very small improvements in

With record-low prices and ever-increasing

agriculture lead to major improvements in

carryovers, the outlook for agriculture appears

grim.

Without

environmental health. However, without

strong

a margin in agriculture, farmers don’t

markets, farmers are operating at a

have the means to invest in these

loss, defaulting on loan payments,

practices. Expanding markets will

or making the difficult decision to

ensure the incentives for ever-

get out of the industry altogether.

improving agricultural practices.

How are American farmers, who

In a presentation to the House

are arguably the backbone of our

Select Committee on the Climate

economy, supposed to make it,

Crisis,

much less thrive in these conditions? It may be difficult now to imagine,

Moore-Kucera,

American Farmland Trust, said that

but I wanted to take a moment to talk

no-till and limited tillage on 201.5 million

about what the world could look like with

acres of farmland in the U.S. have reduced

a successful, profitable domestic agriculture

Jennifer

the Climate Initiative Director at

carbon emissions between 59.1 and 70.8 million

industry and the ways biofuels can help achieve this

metric tons each year. In addition, cover crops planted on

critical goal.

15 million acres have the potential to eliminate between

Today, biofuels are the catalyst to successful agriculture.

4.2 and 6.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions

Successful agriculture is key to solving many of the world’s

annually. That’s the equivalent of taking over 1.3 million

most pressing issues like climate change, poverty, hunger

passenger cars off the road each year.

and disease. I’ll start with climate change—perhaps the

In addition to practices limiting soil disturbance,

most pressing threat to humanity.

precision agriculture technology may have the greatest

Farmers are often incorrectly depicted as a culprit when

potential to help address climate change through farming.

it comes to climate change. In reality, farmers are the

One of the main sources of GHG emissions in agriculture is

key to solving climate change. Carbon dioxide, the main

the production and transportation of fertilizer. Improving

greenhouse gas (GHG) that contributes to climate change,

fertilizer efficiency through practices like precision farming

is used by plants as they grow. Plants like corn soak up

can reduce nitrous oxide emissions. Precision agriculture

VITALBYPOET.COM

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

poverty. When ethanol grew from 1% of the U.S. fuel supply

yields. Currently, the biofuels industry purchases around

to 10%, U.S. farm incomes increased dramatically between

40% of the U.S. corn crop, producing clean, affordable

2000 and 2012. Total gross farm income grew from $241.7

fuel, nutritious feed for livestock and many other critical

billion in 2000 to $483.8 billion in 2013. At the same time, agriculture flourished around the world,

products. This is a critical market for grain, and it needs to expand with ever-increasing yields to

and over 1 billion people were lifted out of

balance the market. If the U.S. increased

extreme poverty. During this timeframe,

ethanol in the fuel supply from 10% to

demand for corn, soybean and wheat

15% nationwide, it would result in a

remained steady with the exception

market of almost 2 billion bushels

of the biofuels sector. As the domestic

of additional corn demand for the

market for corn from the biofuels

American farmer. This would provide

industry grew, it soaked up enough

the economic incentive to encourage

surplus grain from 2000 to 2013

farmers to employ the latest practices

to balance the commodity markets

that will help heal the world.

and help make agriculture profitable.

Unfortunately, since the biofuels market

Programs

the

recently

announced Higher Blends Infrastructure

stopped growing in 2013, yields have

Incentive Program (HBIIP) and the USDA’s

continued to rise, values have declined and farm

Innovation in Agriculture Initiative signal that

incomes have been cut in half.

the administration understands biofuels are the key to

Strong biofuel markets can also help address global

insulating and building up our markets for domestic

hunger. Without growing domestic markets for increasing

agriculture. These programs will expand access to higher

corn yields, the U.S. will continue to flood the global market

biofuel blends to more consumers.

with cheap corn. Cheap grain does not equate to more

But we can’t stop there.

abundant, affordable food. Just the opposite.

uses GPS and satellites to allow farmers to plant, water and

the U.S. has continued to subsidize farmers just to break

When markets are flooded

fertilize their crops to a half-inch accuracy measurement.

even. This leaves no room for farmers to invest in existing

with surplus crops that are sold

The USFRA also estimates that using technology available

and emerging technologies to create a better, healthier

below the cost of production due

today, the agricultural industry is on a trajectory to reduce

environment. These subsidies also cause a global challenge

to farm subsidies, it depresses

its GHG emissions by 50%. By harnessing further innovation

that leads to increased poverty.

world prices. Countries that

and investment, agriculture has the potential of up to 147%

If U.S. farmers can’t make a profit in agriculture, how

cannot

reduction in sector emissions.

do we expect the rest of the world to farm? By subsidizing

goods are essentially shut out

So what will it take to harness this untapped potential?

U.S. grain farmers, we have flooded the world with cheap,

of world markets, devastating

We need agriculture to become profitable again. Without

below-market grain and stifled global agriculture. The U.S.

their

profitable agriculture, farmers are merely trying to stay

is the top corn-producing country in the world by far. We

Traditionally, agriculture is the

afloat. The recent COVID-19 relief bill included checks to

have subsidized farmers to produce the most on what they

pillar of a developing economy

farmers to compensate for a drop in demand brought on

have without profitable markets for their yields. Instead,

because

by the pandemic. This certainly provided much-needed

surplus grain gets sent around the world and discourages

security, generates local capital

relief and helped many avoid unimaginable economic

other countries from developing and building out their

and creates jobs. If developing

circumstances. But it was a temporary solution to a long-

own agricultural industries. Impoverished farmers in

countries

term problem.

developing countries cannot compete with this influx of

market for their agricultural commodities, they too could

We need consumers to understand that fueling their

Demand destruction caused by the pandemic may be the

cheap grain. The potential for agriculture worldwide is

invest in infrastructure which would allow them to move

vehicles with biofuels results in a 43% reduction in GHG

latest challenge farmers are facing, but it’s certainly not the

virtually untapped, because for generations (with few

beyond sub-subsistence farming and into profitable

emissions from the tailpipe and will provide their vehicles

first time the U.S. government has provided economic relief

exceptions) there has been no margin in agriculture. If we

agriculture to feed their families and communities.

with a higher quality fuel. We need to increase the demand

for farmers to get by. For generations, yields have outpaced

balance grain production with demand, agriculture will

Farmers need to make a profit off their products, and to

for biofuels in order to increase domestic demand and

demand for grains, which has led to overproduction. In

flourish and provide solutions for climate change, poverty,

do so, they need strong markets. At POET, we’re working

profitability for our farmers. Biofuels are the catalyst for

turn, grain values have continued to be below the cost

hunger and disease.

on getting higher blends of ethanol into the marketplace

successful agriculture, and successful agriculture can

of production. With little to no margin in agriculture,

This is the proven way biofuels can help solve global

so that our industry can grow right along with increasing

change the world.

VITALBYPOET.COM

afford

local

subsidize

economies.

provides

had

food

profitable

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

PEOPLE OF POET hadd

Sherer

began

his

career with POET as a Plant

–

Thadd Sherer’s passion for people and his commitment to safety extend beyond the borders of his job. by Jessica Sexe

VITALBYPOET.COM

dialog about safety.

Technician in 2008 with the

“My

startup of POET Biorefining

ownership. As an EH&S Specialist,

Marion.

Today,

Environmental

Marion’s Community Outreach and Team Building group at the annual Popcorn Parade.

and opening up a different type of

Health

serves &

goal

build

safety

oftentimes you’re looked at as the

Safety

safety promoter. You’re always the one

(EH&S) Specialist for the biorefinery.

that’s supposed to fight against doing

Sherer

something unsafe or to be the one

leads the environmental, health and

that takes the opposite perspective of

safety programs at POET Biorefining

doing something the easiest way. I’m

– Marion and is responsible for

really trying to pull back out of that

ensuring the facility’s culture is one

role.”

where the environment, health and

Instead of pointing out mistakes or

safety of all is the top priority.

fighting against the easy way, Sherer

To do so, Sherer relies on the

takes a different approach.

relationships he’s built with each

“We want to drive a culture of caring.

of his team members, many of

Oftentimes

whom have worked with him since

role would be, if you see someone

the startup of the plant. He says a

doing something that is unsafe, you

statement that was popularized by

would confront them. And usually,

John Maxwell influences the way he

confronting means you’re pointing

fosters a culture of caring: “People

out immediately what they’re doing

don’t care how much you know until

wrong. However, I recently came

they know how much you care.”

across the term ‘care fronting.’”

Preceding his time with POET,

Essentially, ‘care fronting’ involves

Sherer served as a fifth-grade math

first letting a team member know that

teacher and basketball coach. Before

you’re concerned for them, not just

that, he was a youth pastor.

because what they’re doing may be

“I’ve always been in positions like

wrong, but because you don’t want to

education where you care for those

see them get hurt. Once you let them

that

the

EH&S

you’re

Specialist

responsible

for

the

traditional

safety

and

know that their health and safety are

have a deep concern for their well-

your priority you can move on to what

being while also trying to create an

exactly was unsafe. “A lot of times

environment where motivation is

when these things happen it’s because

somewhat intrinsic,” says Sherer.

we’re feeling rushed, frustrated or

He continues to rely on the same

complacent. Maybe they’ve done it so

skills he used as a teacher to create

many times and don’t think it’s going

and maintain a positive culture of

to backfire.”

safety for his team members. “I can

Sherer’s

hammer out rules and regulations,

extended well beyond the walls of

but if people don’t realize that my first

the Marion biorefinery. He is actively

priority is their safety it really doesn’t

engaged in the Marion community

matter.”

and participates in a number of

Sherer says he’s aware his position

different volunteer efforts, many of

can often be seen as one of someone

which are through the plant’s C.O.T.B.

looking to point out what others are

(Community

doing wrong. However, he’s hoping to

Building) group.

change that perception by relying on

The group was founded in 2016 by

his relationships with his co-workers

Christopher Sentman, Plant Engineer

culture

Outreach

caring

and

has

Team

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

Team raising awareness for POET’s Work to Live safety program.

“I’ve always been in positions like education where you care for those that you’re responsible for and have a deep concern for their well-being while also trying to create an environment where motivation is somewhat intrinsic.” Thadd Sherer, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Specialist at POET Biorefining — Marion

at POET Biorefining — Marion. The

appreciation luncheon. During the

educated attendees about hazards on

just me, myself and I. It’s important

Control and Prevention guidelines at

group is responsible for community

event,

the farm. Sherer has plans to further

to have everyone engaged, to be my

the biorefinery to keep team members

grow the event in future years and

brother’s keeper kind of thing, and we

safe and healthy.

focus on an unforeseen danger for

try to apply that in everything we do.”

With new guidelines, such as the

our producer partners — engulfment

Sherer’s work within the community

requirement to wear masks, Sherer

from corn. The event, which Sherer

doesn’t stop there. Recently, Sherer

again led with compassion to help

has named “Operation Farm Shield”

worked to donate a foam trailer to the

team

will include participants from the

local fire department. The trailer is

while masks may be uncomfortable

surrounding five counties and will

capable of carrying foam and hooking

or cumbersome, they are important

be an interactive training event for

up to a fire truck to shoot large

to protect others and the community.

farmers as well as their families to

amounts of foam on flammable liquid

“I ask the team to keep in mind that

better understand grain bin safety.

spills to suppress vapors. “The vapors

they’re making these sacrifices for

“If your children and spouse know

are what burn and what can explode.

the sake of their neighbor and not

that you’re getting ready to enter

With the expansion of the Marion

for themselves. Wearing a mask

a grain bin but they don’t really

facility we identified this as a priority

may not be something that’s going to

understand the hazards related to

for our team and for the community,”

benefit me. It’s to prevent me from

that, they might not think too much

said Sherer.

inadvertently

of it. But with this event we have an

The Marion community was also

that I may have to someone else,” said

opportunity to reveal some of the

in need of mentors for at-risk youth,

Sherer.

hazards and discuss some of the

many of whom have had issues at

order

recent occurrences of entrapments,

home including neglect and other

the

Marion

incidents,

outreach

and

team

According to Sentman, “The team is made up of all volunteers who are both passionate about outreach, proud of their community and seek to create a fun, welcoming environment at work. All of these qualities exemplify Thadd.” Sherer has been involved with the group since its inception and participates

events

the

local

fire

department

building.

benefiting

community organizations such as United Way, Seeds of Change, the Salvation Army and several other local nonprofits. In addition to being a contributor to nearly all of the C.O.T.B. volunteer events and a core member of the team, Sherer has also owned several of the group’s initiatives related to

“What is unique about Thadd is that he always requests the most challenging kids that no mentors will take on. The kids he has mentored come from very unstable homes but he is up for the challenge to help however he can.”

anything

proactively community

help

Thadd Sherer Hometown: Marion, OH Family: Married to wife Jennifer for 17 years.

battle

“Our family is truly a

problems related to drugs. “Marion

the

pandemic,

has been pretty well devastated by

also

donated

as well as the community, Sherer says

the effects of drugs. As a result, many

the

Lexington,

safety demonstration during POET

safety education efforts will be more

kids just don’t have those strong

Department and the Marion City

situation,” says Sherer.

Biorefining

successful. “Safety is a lot more than

parental figures they need. We’d see

School District. The plant also donated

“My wife brought two

children signing up just to sit down

PPE to the local hospital and has plans

and talk to an adult they don’t know

to donate additional sanitizer to Ohio

children from a previous

during their lunch break or recess.

State University in Marion.

marriage, Alexandria

I remember being a kid and I would

For Sherer, it’s all about caring for

who is 27 now and Kayla

never give up my recess, so that’s how

his team members and his community

I knew how big of a need there is for

in any way he can. It’s something

who is 24. I brought two

that parental influence in their lives,”

he’s tried to do throughout his entire

children as well, my son

said Sherer. Sherer has participated

career, from youth pastor to teacher

in the program for the past three

and now to his role with POET as

Joshua who is 27 and

years. According to Sentman, “What

EH&S Specialist. According to Sherer,

is unique about Thadd is that he

the team he works with makes this

year. Together Jennifer

always requests the most challenging

especially easy.

kids that no mentors will take on. The

“I couldn’t work with a better team

and I have a daughter,

kids he has mentored come from very

of people. I really am blessed to work

unstable homes but he is up for the

with such a good group of people here

challenge to help however he can.”

at Marion. I’m sure there were a lot of

The program was put on hold

people that can’t say this but I think of

during the 2020 spring semester due

them as family.”

—

Marion’s

producer

deaths,”

spreading

that

said

In 2019, Sherer organized a farm

even

understand

Sherer. By involving the entire family

safety.

members

the hand

biorefinery sanitizer

Kentucky,

Police

yours, mine and ours

Juliana who will be 24 this

Grace, who will be a sophomore this year.”

to COVID-19. Marion was one of the first communities in Ohio which led the state for the number of cases of Marion team

VITALBYPOET.COM

the virus. As a result, Sherer helped implement the Centers for Disease

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

NASCAR UPDATE

Rising from the Ashes by Ryan Welsh The last NASCAR race before the COVID-19 pandemic swept

After a 70-day hiatus, NASCAR headed to Darlington to race

the nation took place at Phoenix Raceway in Phoenix, Arizona

without fans. The silence drove Kevin Harvick speechless in

on March 8, 2020. Joey Logano fended off Kevin Harvick in

his victory interview. He said he was used to boos and cheers

overtime on that radiant day in the desert. Little did we know

coming from the grandstands and the silence there was eerie.

the host city’s name was an eerie precursor to what would take place in 2020.

NASCAR has led the way in sports reopening. With a plan in place, fans are gradually and safely coming back to the track.

The city of Phoenix’s namesake comes from its founder’s

Other sports are following suit. The sport is even attracting new

building on ancient Pueblo ruins that were occupied between

fans. Across the 7 Cup Series races at Darlington and Charlotte

700 A.D. and 1,400 A.D. The ancient society’s fate ended in

the return to racing reached 18.6 million unique viewers. 6.8

mystery, most likely a drought, but the modern-day Phoenix

million of them were new viewers who had not tuned into any

rose from its ashes in the second half of the 19th century and

of the first four races of the year — one little bit of a silver lining.

continues to flourish today. The ethanol industry came to a screeching halt alongside the We celebrated my daughter’s 7th birthday on Friday, March 13th

sporting world. With no cars on the road there was no need for

with 10 of her little friends. Later that evening our governor

fuel, and the industry was facing the biggest challenge in its

declared a state of emergency, schools were closed, professional

history. Many plants had to idle or shut down and the outlook

sports shut down and life as we knew it changed dramatically.

was bleak.

Like most sports fans I found some solace in watching classic

Those in the biofuels industry are no strangers to adversity.

sporting events in the first few weeks of the pandemic; for

Many industry leaders embraced their bend-not-break attitude

example, the Checker 500 NASCAR race in Phoenix on November

and quickly retrofitted bioprocessing facilities to produce

6, 1988. Alan Kulwicki, a Polish American, took the victory and

indusutrial-grade ethanol to be used in sanitizer, helping to ease

invented the Polish victory lap, which entails the driver turning

a worldwide shortage. This has not only created a new market

around and driving in the opposite direction facing the fans with

for ethanol; it also embodies the message that ethanol is clean

the checkered

and safe. The fuel cleans the air you breathe, and the sanitizer

flag.

Today,

product cleans your hands and halts the spreading of germs. It’s

this

tradition

a great message and will prove to be a bit of our silver lining.

continues and is

practiced

Now cars are back on the roads and ethanol plants are back

by winners at

online. Like that of the Phoenix, the resilience demonstrated by

every race.

those in the ethanol industry during the pandemic highlights our intention to rise up stronger than before.

Then came iRacing, online racing simulation. I never thought I would tune in to watch people playing video games, but it was surprisingly entertaining. That, or I was starving for live sporting events.

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THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

Crystal Chan

Hometown: San Francisco, California Major: Public Policy & Political Science School: Yale University A San Francisco native, Crystal has big plans for her community and has wasted no time making inroads during her high school career. Her personal experiences and challenges as the daughter of Chinese immigrants have shaped her passions and her path,

and she seeks to level the playing field for individuals like herself by

Never Satisfied CLASS OF 2020

experience by serving on the San Francisco Youth Commission – a body of 17 local youth who advise the mayor – and knocking on the doors of legislators to spread the word about and gain support for her organization, SPACE 4 US. Crystal founded SPACE 4 US in 2018 to empower students from underserved backgrounds by providing resources that enable them to explore fulfilling run for office in order to initiate change on a national level, and we have no doubt she’ll impact countless lives in the process.

by Miranda Broin

to implement lasting change is for policymakers to serve as an authentic voice for their fellow citizens. She’s already gaining invaluable firsthand

careers. Her goal is to someday manage the organization full-time and

There’s no limit to what these scholars will achieve in the years to come Since 2017, POET has conducted

pursuing a degree in public policy. Crystal recognizes that the best way

submit an essay-style application,

Ashton Cofer

Hometown: Gahanna, Ohio Major: Computer Science School: Stanford University

the disruption the COVID-19 pandemic

Finding a way to recycle Styrofoam is a difficult but exceptional

an annual scholarship program as a

which then competes with upwards of

brought to their academic careers and

accomplishment. The same can be said about winning two renowned

way to support the next generation of

2,000 others to make it through three

the scholarship application process,

international science fairs and being invited to give a TED Talk. But to give a

trailblazers, dreamers and innovators

rounds of reviews in order to narrow

the students were able to take it all in

viral TED Talk and travel the world to speak about your team’s groundbreaking

looking to make an impact on the

the pool down to just 20 finalists. That

stride and view every new challenge

discovery in eliminating Styrofoam waste as a high school freshman? That’s

world. The Never Satisfied scholarship

group then participates in individual

as an opportunity for growth. Their

extraordinary, and that’s Ashton Cofer. His intelligence is matched only by his

– aptly named to represent the tenacity

interviews with the Never Satisfied

passion, intelligence and work ethic

generosity; Ashton’s team decided to establish a nonprofit called Styro-Filter

and can-do attitude of its recipients –

selection committee to determine the

made them stand out among the

Solutions to make their patent-pending process for recycling Styrofoam

awards $5,000 to 10 undergraduate

10 winners.

crowd, and the remarkable things

available worldwide through a free license in an effort to encourage

students from all over the country,

Somehow, each year’s class of

they’ve already accomplished indicate

everyone to work collectively for the good of the environment. Ashton

one of which is reserved for a relative

scholarship recipients seems even

there’s no limit to what they’ll achieve

has achieved so much at such a young age, and his enthusiasm is sure to propel him toward excellence at Stanford, where he plans to study computer

of a team member employed at any

last.

in the years to come. Read on to see

POET location.

The Never Satisfied Class of 2020

why POET is proud to be a part of each

impressive

than

the

Achieving one of these scholarships

represents the best of what America’s

is no simple feat. Candidates first must

next generation has to offer. Despite

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of their journeys.

science and continue innovating sustainable, practical solutions to life’s everyday problems and using his experiences to spread positivity as far and wide as he can.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

Addison Miller

Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Major: Political Science & Secondary Education School: University of South Dakota Addison is no stranger to overcoming adversity. After struggling with

Madelyn Derks

Hometown: King City, Missouri Major: Agribusiness Management, emphasis in Public Policy School: University of Missouri – Columbia

Having grown up on her family’s cattle farm, Madelyn is a firm believer that farmers are the stewards of the land and the foundation of our economy. However, she is well aware of the fact that many Americans don’t necessarily see things the same way, and she’s making it her life mission to change their perspective by forging a career in agriculture policy. She has already built up a wealth of experience through speaking engagements for the National FFA Organization as well as internships with the Missouri 4-H Foundation and the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association in addition to her coursework at Mizzou. Madelyn says her ultimate goal would be to pass federal legislation that requires every high school student to take at least one agriculture education course before they graduate. She believes that the truth about agriculture can be found not only in the facts and data, but in the many stories of farm families like her own. She plans to use both to help bridge the gap between ag producers and consumers, and she won’t be satisfied until she does so.

addiction as a teen and conquering it by finding his faith, Addison has found strength in staying sober and even became a published author before graduating high school by writing about his experiences to inspire others. Now he intends to spend his life continuing to do so by influencing the next generation through a career in education. Addison believes that the testing and grading systems in the American education system are in need of reform, so his passion for changing lives doesn’t stop in the classroom; he hopes to eventually move on to educational administration or even run for office in order to implement improvements on a greater scale starting at the top. This summer Addison will be interning with U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson to gain some exposure that will bolster his political science degree. His clear vision for the future, combined with his boundless desire to help others, indicate that Addison has a very bright future.

Austin O’Kelly

Hometown: San Diego, California Major: Biological Sciences School: San Diego Mesa College

After dedicating six years of his life to the United States Marine Corps, Austin has hit the ground running to achieve his goal of becoming a medical doctor. His time in the military brought him to remote and impoverished places all over the world, and his firsthand experience with the struggles faced by veterans has ignited a passion for treating mental illness. Austin hopes to utilize all he has learned in order

Sohayla Tamer Eldeeb

Hometown: Ormond Beach, Florida Major: Biology & Public Policy School: Stanford University

to better humanity through the field of neuroscience. He has certainly manifested his desires into action; since deciding on his career path, Austin has volunteered over 120 hours at hospitals and emergency rooms and has traveled to Ecuador to provide free medical clinics in rural communities. He refuses to let satisfaction hold him back, and we can’t wait to see where he ends up. “If I am to become this beacon of light in the darkness to the sick and suffering, then I must never stop thinking about where I am going.”

While to some it may seem like a fairytale, Sohayla intends to spend her career fighting to slay the beast that is climate change. Although she is occupied with the typical obligations of any college student, Sohayla views herself as a “student citizen” and believes it is her responsibility to work toward a better future for her generation. She spends her free time doing so through her involvement with the board of directors for Zero Hour – a youth-led movement working to empower young activists like Sohayla who are seeking concrete ways to fight the climate crisis – as well as the United Nation’s #ItStartsWithUs campaign and the Human Rights Pulse initiative. She has even conducted research in cleaning up oil spills with nanotechnology and may go on to medical school to further her education. Sohayla is a true visionary, and we look forward to watching her continue to blaze a trail for her peers to build a better world.

Hans Riensche

Hometown: Jessup, Iowa Major: Agricultural Business & International Agriculture School: Iowa State University Hans’s passion for agriculture has taken him from farming in northeastern Iowa to researching food security and sustainable farming across the globe – from China to Singapore to Germany

and even Brazil. Now he is taking all he has learned and bringing it right back home to turn his family farm into a catalyst for innovation in agriculture. Hans believes that creating lasting change requires empowering farmers to think of themselves as innovators who can upgrade their practices to suit the ever-changing needs of the 21st century while creating tangible market incentives for them to do so. He has already begun to translate those ideas into action; his family’s operation has partnered with organizations that incentivize sustainable farming methods. Hans is an agriculturist through and through, and there is no doubt he is only just

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beginning his impact on worldwide agriculture.

Sage Ryland

Hometown: Livonia, Michigan Major: Biomedical Engineering School: Wayne State University Sage grew up watching her father experience a great deal of pain on a daily basis due to a back injury that occurred several years prior. During that time, she developed an interest in the medical field but knew she didn’t feel called to be a doctor or a nurse, which is how she landed on biomedical engineering. Sage dreams of designing medical devices that can help people like her father who live with injuries or illnesses, so that nobody else has to live in pain or watch helplessly as their loved ones suffer. She has already begun to garner hands-on experience in school; last year, she and her classmates designed an artificial bone flap that can be 3D printed immediately in the operating room – a process that typically takes up to two weeks. With her dynamic mind, specialized skillset, and heart to improve others’ lives, Sage will do incredible things for the medical community.

Brooke Soloman Hometown: Detroit, Michigan Major: Global Health School: Howard University

Brooke has never shied away from an opportunity to stand up and speak out for her community. In 2018, for example, she spearheaded a campaign to organize a citywide water testing initiative when she returned for the school year to find that the water in all Detroit public schools had been shut off due to elevated levels of lead and copper and no further action had been taken. That experience, she says, taught her what it means to lead by serving the needs of others, which is what she intends to

EXPLORE THE POWER OF CONNECTION

do by pursuing a degree in medicine. She believes that social justice must take a front seat in the medical field to prevent others from experiencing the many challenges her family faced growing up. “I want to be able to intersect my passion for activism and medicine into a career to help people in need and be a part of a continuous solution for health inequities presented in Detroit and beyond.” Brooke’s commitment to enacting change is contagious and will certainly take her very far.

Allyna Storms

Hometown: Becker, Minnesota Major: Criminal Justice, Psychology, & Political Science School: Bemidji State University Allyna’s foremost mission in life is to inflict positive change on the world by protecting the citizens of the United States. She has already made significant headway toward her goal by serving in the Minnesota Army National Guard, but down the road she intends to be more directly involved in the highest tier of national security by working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Allyna knows how much time and effort it will take to make it to the FBI, but it is clear that her ambition

will get her there; she is working toward three majors, takes up to 20 credits per semester to get a head start. “Being ‘Never Satisfied’ is a challenge that I bring with me daily, and it constantly encourages me to try again when I fail and to learn from my mistakes so that I can continue to provide for my end goal of protecting this country and our values.”

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THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

PRIME THE PUMP

HBIIP Drives Access to Higher Blends of Biofuels

In May 2020 the United States

partnerships with major retailers like

includes

Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Kwik Trip, Casey’s, Family Express,

marketing and branding of E15, grant

announced $100 million in funding

Kum & Go, MAPCO, Minnoco, Murphy

application assistance and managing

expand

retail

fuel

USA, Protec Fuels, QuikTrip, RaceTrac,

any local, state or federal hurdles that

Sheetz, and Thorntons which in turn

may come up.

through the Higher Blends Biofuel

has led to a significant increase in E15

“HBIIP

Infrastructure Program (HBIIP). From

availability at retail locations across

program, and we can provide some

May through August, retail fueling

the country.

insights through our experience with

and biodiesel distribution facilities

This time, Growth Energy’s Vice

Prime the Pump that helps the retailer

have

funding

President of Market Development

be more competitive and have a more

through the program to convert to

Mike O’Brein is leading the charge.

likely case of winning,” said O’Brien.

applying

for

higher ethanol and biodiesel blends. Through HBIIP, the USDA will share the costs related to installing,

by Jessica Sexe | photos by Greg Latza

retrofitting and/or upgrading fuel storage, dispenser pumps, and other related equipment and infrastructure. Approximately

$86

dedicated

million

will

implementation

activities related to higher blends of fuel ethanol. With over 90% of the vehicles on the road today able to use E15, it’s time to ensure that everyone has access to the Earth-friendly, American-made fuel. The USDA expects the HBIIP funding to support approximately 150 awards at around 1,500 locations, which is expected to help grow the ethanol market to 15 billion gallons in 2020. The program is similar to the Biofuel

Infrastructure

Program

(BIP) which was administered by

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knowledge,

infrastructure across rural America

been

renewable

regulatory

competitive

grant

“Every step of the way, we’ve not

“HBIIP is a competitive grant program, and we can provide some insights through our experience with Prime the Pump that helps the retailer be more competitive and have a more likely case of winning.”

only brought retailers to the table, but we’ve also told the retailers what was happening, the timetable. We’ve been preparing the market for this program to come forward.” Growth Energy also provided that insight to the USDA as they developed the HBIIP program. “During the planning phase, I personally sat next to Secretary of Agriculture Perdue with six of our primary retailers to discuss the design of the program. The

strong

relationships

with

retailers have been key to the initial success in recruiting them to apply for funding under HBIIP. “In just the last 45 days we’ve been in contact with retail chains representing about 50 percent of the U.S. gasoline supply sold annually,” says O’Brien. However, it’s not the only reason

the USDA from 2016-2019 through

retailers are quick to add E15 and

state and private partners in order to

other higher biofuel blends to their

expand the availability of E15 and E85

pumps. By looking at the sales

infrastructure across the country.

data from Prime the Pump and the

Growth Energy, the nation’s largest

increasing desire from consumers for

ethanol

more choices at the pump — it just

association,

previously

worked with the USDA and Prime the

“Because of the work Growth Energy

makes sense.

Pump, an independent grant entity,

has done with Prime the Pump

The

to expand access to higher blends of

previously, we’re able to use that

industry is highly competitive, and

biofuels through BIP. Together they

knowledge to recruit new retailers.”

it is critical businesses differentiate

were instrumental in the addition of

Growth Energy works with retailers

themselves from their competitors.

higher biofuel blends at over 2,000

to apply for HBIIP funding and

Offering higher blends of biofuels

retail locations across the country.

implement higher biofuel blends by

provides customers with the high-

Prime

providing a complete package, which

value fuel they want. In turn, retailers

the

Pump

has

formed

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

retail

convenience

store

see an increase in sales, both at the

benefits of offering access to higher

pump and in their stores. Since the

biofuel blends. Their customers, in

federal government approved E15

many cases located in rural areas,

in 2011, consumer use has grown

were also left out of the benefits of

consistently, and especially so since

the high-value fuel. Many individuals

the Environmental Protection Agency

in rural retail locations are also the

approved E15 for year-round use in

farmers who supply their corn to

2019.

biorefineries that produce biofuels.

“The great thing about all the Prime

the Pump experience we have is we

communities, consumers and farmers

do get sales data sent to us monthly so

are able to experience the benefits of

we have a really good handle on what

biofuels full circle, from seed to gas

is effective. For example, when E15 is

tank.

sold on the same hose as other grades

The USDA recognizes this potential

of fuel, the retailer will see somewhere

for expanded access to higher biofuel

from 40 to 60% of total sales being E15.

blends to help boost rural economies.

In fact, they can see sales increases of

This is why HBIIP is part of the

20% of total volume,” says O’Brien.

administration’s ‘Investing in Rural

Prior to BIP and now HBIIP, many

America’ plan and is sure to provide

retail locations across the country

a needed boost to rural economies

weren’t able to experience the sales

throughout the country.

expanding

access

into

rural

“The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program will help rural communities build stronger economies and will give consumers more choices when they fill up at the pump.”

Rural

communities,

producers

and

farmers

biofuel continue

to feel the economic strain due to the drop in fuel demand caused by stay-at-home measures necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “As

the

continues,

coronavirus

response

America’s

energy

independence has proven critical to our economic security now more than ever,” USDA Deputy Secretary Censky said. “Under the leadership of President Trump, we know the positive

impacts

that

affordable,

abundant and clean-burning fuel provide to our country’s farmers and consumers. The Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program will help rural communities build stronger economies and will give consumers

more choices when they fill up at the

feedstock producers. Investments in

pump.”

infrastructure now will help secure

Biofuels

contribute

energy

long-term growth and help biofuel

security, reduce air pollution, support

demand recover and grow as America

rural economic development and are

begins to open back up.

a critical, growing market for U.S.

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Seeds of Change

URL www.agcountry.com www.bbibiofuels.com www.gea.com www.growthenergy.org www.novozymes.com www.poet.com www.poet-dsm.com www.poet.com www.dakotagold.com www.poet.com www.seedsofchange.org

MECHANICS CORNER

Small Engines vs. Ethanol Automotive advice from The Under the Hood radio show

big ideas

We love all things mechanical on Under The Hood.

older ones that were not designed for it — but that was not

Simply put, if it burns fuel, we love it. A couple of us on the

the case. Even the lawnmower, which was run on 100%

show are old die-hard powersports fans too, having owned

traditional gasoline, was in worse shape than those run on

dozens of motorcycles, three- and four-wheel ATVs, boats,

E10. Some even get better with age. If the alcohol is mixed

and many Jet Skis. Add to that all the lawnmowers, blowers,

with something else, it is subject to the expiration date of

and trimmers piled high in our garages over the years – you

that product.

could say we have more than a little experience with small

We would have to say that what we have seen in these

engines.

small engines is a good experiment, but you can research

When you own a small engine, you know that it is

it yourself. Look up what happens and what is left behind

nothing like a car in terms of maintenance. Every year you

when straight gasoline and straight ethanol evaporate.

seem to have a dead battery, and if you let one sit over the

Keep the small engine maintained, use a fuel stabilizer,

season without use, you can almost be assured that next

always follow the manufacturers fueling requirement, and

year the fuel will be so bad that it will have to be changed.

do not let them sit and they will most certainly be in much

Sometimes the fuel has become so bad that a carburetor

better shape.

must be rebuilt or even thrown away and replaced. We

We have a local go kart track that has been using ethanol

know many people in the business of small engines and

to power its small engines for years and the results there

we have great respect for them. But until I talked to one

have been similar.

of them about our own experiment, they were convinced

People are not afraid to use ethanol in their small engines

that the reason for the failure of fuel systems was linked to

when the manufacturer “allows” it, and the results speak

ethanol — although they could not cite why. It was simply

volumes. It’s time for everyone to reevaluate the way they

an opinion.

view ethanol in fuel, for both small engines and cars.

I have several Wetbikes along with a couple Jet Skis and an

We are not afraid to use ethanol in our small engines

old lawnmower. Life got busy so all these toys have not left

when the manufacturer allows it and we follow the content

the shed for three years. You can imagine what happened.

they establish.

They all have battery maintainers so they are still in good

Take care, The Motor Medics.

shape, but the fuel in the tanks is so sour that it had to be changed in all of them and one will need a carburetor.

The Under The Hood radio show is America’s Favorite

They all have E10 fuel in them except for the lawnmower,

Car-talk show heard on over 230 stations and podcast. The

which has a 5HP engine. These engines range in years from

Motor Medics, Russ Chris and Shannon are three great

1978 to 2003, and the only change to the fuel containment

friends having fun and offering a wide range of automotive

systems made within the past ten years has been fuel lines.

advice without the aid of in-studio computers or reference

Old lines should be kept up-to-date no matter what fuel you

guides.

use. Replacement of the one carburetor — which happened to be the only one without ethanol in it — was due to the fuel evaporating and leaving behind varnish and sediment in

open doors to big solutions

the jets. The important part to note was that there was no damage of any kind seen due to the ethanol. The floats and bodies of the carbs looked good. If ethanol was harmful to small engines designed to run on it, we would expect to see some damage on these POET.COM

When the first POET plant opened over thirty years ago, it opened the door to endless world-changing possibilities. Beyond that threshold we’ve discovered a world of innovative renewable energy solutions. Biofuels, nutrient-rich proteins and oil alternatives are just the beginning.

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

FARM FRESH

Get Your Vitamins From Farmers by Brian Hefty No, farmers are not selling vitamins, at least directly, but

and a whole bunch of vitamins (A, C, D, K, etc.).

the health of our food system does depend on decisions

When farmers have at least some profit and good price

farmers make, often before they even plant crops.

levels, they have the ability to experiment and innovate.

Recently, I read a statement from someone at POET that

The use of soil testing and plant tissue analysis, as well as

said, “Biofuels are a catalyst for successful agriculture.

secondary and micronutrients beyond N, P and K, are all

Successful agriculture is a key to solving climate change,

key to having more nutritious crops. On our farm, we raise

poverty, hunger and disease.” Today we focus on the

corn and soybeans. The corn and soybeans in our region

disease aspect of that statement. Every week during the

are used to produce biofuels, with the byproducts fed to

COVID-19 pandemic, I sent a note to all of the employees at

livestock. What farmers are learning is that as they fine-

our company, updating them on what was happening with

tune their fertility programs beyond N, P and K, yields go

the outbreak, along with tips on how to stay healthy. These

up, plant health improves, and all parts of the plant are

tips each week included get a great night’s sleep every

richer in vitamins and minerals that livestock and humans

night, wash your hands constantly, social distance, exercise

need.

in moderation, and then these 2 very important things: eat

When crop prices are low, farmers may need to trim

a well-balanced diet and take your vitamins.

expenses to stay afloat. When market conditions are good,

My Grandpa Nils lived to be 91 years old. He was a huge

we see more use of all the “other” nutrients besides N, P

believer in taking a vitamin every day. His brother, a well-

and K. That leads to more yield and healthier crops. Since

renowned doctor, lived 83 years. He did not believe in

more biofuel use often means higher crop prices that means

taking vitamins, but simply eating a balanced diet to deliver

biofuel use indirectly leads to higher nutrient content in

all the nutrients a person would need. They both lived a

crops. You may think that’s a stretch, but as an agronomist

long time, and they were both right, to some degree.

for 30 years now I can tell you that when times are tough,

As a field agronomist and crop specialist, I rarely consult

farmers cut secondary things like and micronutrients, soil

for livestock producers. However, the one thing I often

testing and plant tissue analysis. I’m not saying we need $7

tell those who raise livestock is, “If your animals are short

corn, but we certainly need price levels that are profitable

on any one nutrient, trace that back to your feed. If your

for farmers. When we have good prices, farmers respond

animals are grass-fed or corn-fed, that’s telling you the

with a better balanced diet for their crops, which means

grass or the corn is short on that nutrient.”

a better balance of nutrients for everyone down the food

Here’s where this all ties in. Commercial fertilizer has

chain.

only been popular and widely used in the U.S. for about

While I still think it’s good to take a multivitamin, my

50 years, so we are really just in the infancy of it. The

grandpa’s brother was also correct in thinking if people

three nutrients most farmers have used during that time

simply eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals,

have been Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium

they will be more healthy, live longer, and fight off most

(K). However, the multivitamin I take every day contains

diseases effectively.

manganese, copper, zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium,

THE ESSENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

OUT OF LEFT FIELD

DOWN

Inviting Joy

1. Folk tale

by Scott Johnson, Data Systems Administrator, POET

6. Dermatologist’s concern

2. Sound-related 3. Tea biscuit 4. First U.S. space station 5. Political favoritism 7. Attach

My children’s lack of upper body strength brings me great

of fear, anger or misery. It’s a unique emotion, difficult to

8. Like a winter scene

joy. I’ll explain.

define yet immediately recognizable. Health is fleeting.

9. Vegetables, thinly stripped

One day not long ago, when developing this column, I

Safety and comfort are temporary. But joy appears to

10. Spanish stew pot

was stricken with a severe case of writer’s block. I hadn’t

be accessible by anyone at any time under any adverse

11. “Not ___ million years!”

technically attempted to write anything yet, so I’m not

condition. Some of the most joyful people in the world are

certain I was inflicted. In that same manner, perhaps I

surrounded by war and hunger and devastation — evidence

12. Hated war, for short

also had tennis elbow and swimmer’s ear? I struggled for

joy is not dependent on circumstance. However, unlike

inspiration while wallowing in fear, anxiety, anger, doubt,

other emotions, sometimes joy requires an invitation. It’s

discouragement… and a general lack of joy. Recent realities

difficult to simply choose to be joyful. But it seems we can

of our world stirred up these emotions in me. I worried

choose to allow joy in when it comes knocking. And not

about my future. I worried about my family. I worried

only is it OK to accept that joy, it’s necessary to invite it in.

about the health and well-being of my friends, neighbors,

It can seem a bit out of place when we allow ourselves

co-workers, and people I’d never even met. These felt

to feel joyful in the midst of chaos or trouble in our world.

like perfectly appropriate emotions considering the

Sometimes we close the door (or window, as it were) on

27. “___ Jacques” (children’s song)

predicaments of the world. And it felt perfectly appropriate

joy. We don’t accept the gift of joy because it feels like we

29. List-ending abbr.

to be stuck in a joyless rut.

are supposed to be exclusively wallowing in fear or anger

I cracked a window open in my home office, inviting

or hopelessness. How can I be joyful when the world is on

the outside world to flow through. I could hear a gentle

fire?! Accepting joy can feel like the familiar spiel of the

1. Physics calculation

45. Appreciative ability

“planetary”

breeze blowing and the pleasant sounds of birds chirping.

airline flight attendant, instructing passengers to secure

5. 100-lb. units

46. Act of catching sight

33. Upper body

I also heard some odd, yet curiously delightful commotion

their own oxygen masks before helping others with theirs.

coming from the backyard: the sounds of my wife and kids

It feels selfish. But securing our own joy is foundational in

9. It allows for movement

34. Peach or cherry

competing in an impromptu pull-up contest on our rickety,

helping others achieve theirs. We must accept joy in order

14. “Gross!”

48. Responded in court

36. ‘’Wheel of Fortune’’ buy, perhaps

old swing set. One by one, the kids tried to outperform

to exude joy.

15. Downpour

51. School of the future?

37. Mounties, briefly

their mother (who successfully hammered out several pull-

Joy itself is not a direct solution to the world’s problems.

16. Humerus’ neighbors

52. Ancient Rome conqueror

40. Three way

ups in perfect form.) They grunted and squirmed, kicking

It’s not a vaccine. It can’t repair a broken economy. It

17. Super Bowl XXVII MVP Aikman

55. Liquor sediment

41. U.S. physiologist and plant

their legs - desperately searching for an invisible boost that

doesn’t squash racism. But joy is an essential building block

18. Creme-filled cookie

58. Poet plant location

never materialized. Each child failed to overcome their

to goodness in life. Fear is a powerful driver to help ensure

19. Petting zoo favorite

61. Enemy of a mongoose

42. Cherish

weakening grip and collapsed to the ground in a heap. The

our security and well-being. Anger is necessary fuel to fight

20. Poet plant location

64. Rose family fruit

47. London facilities

contestants began to giggle at themselves and each other.

against injustice. But some of the most impactful, positive

23. “Ice Age” actor, Denis

65. La Dolce

49. No. important to a pitcher 50. Probes, with “into”

21. Bobby, the hockey legend 22. Government security

agency, abbr.

25. Young pig 26. “Superman Returns”

ACROSS

actress Parker

31. Firms, abbr. 32. Prefix with “personal” or

of something

____

scientist, Dennis

The giggles quickly morphed into a steady chuckle, then to

changes in the world can be born from joy. If we reject the

24. Trading letters

66. Noble title

booming laughter. This was a contagious, immersive, hard-

gift of joy, we’re left only partially equipped to help see

25. Beach-bottle letters

67. Thompson of “Sense

53. Best Buy buy

to-catch-your-breath belly laugh. One of those laughs you

those changes through. We kick and flail about, searching

28. Soft cheese

54. Directs

don’t see coming, can’t fully explain how they arrived or

for a boost that doesn’t materialize. Stuck.

30. Secure

68. Subj. for an M.B.A.

56. Insurer with a caveman mascot

predict when they’ll leave. Glee wafted through the air and

We can’t always predict the form joy will take. It’s easy to

32. “. . . if I thought ___ help”

69. Three, they say

57. Repress

into my office through the scarcely opened window. Their

recognize it in “mountain top” experiences. But sometimes

jubilation pierced through my melancholy, blessing me

joy can unexpectedly manifest itself in the form of an

35. Head the cast

70. Romanov ruler

58. “All I wanna do” singer

with a small but undeniable sense of joy.

impromptu pull-up contest. It’s imperative we let it in. Best

38. Lasso

71. Princes, e.g.

59. Kind of tomato

Joy. Specifically, joy. Joy is not the same thing as

crack a window.

satisfaction. Joy is different from contentment. Joy is not amusement, nor peace, nor hope. Joy is not the absense

13. Social drink

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and Sensibility”

39. Poet plant in Indiana

60. Namesakes of Bert

43. Cape Cod resort town

44. VIP transport

61. Toronto media inits.

Bobbsey’s twin

FOR ANSWERS, VISIT

62. Galley tool

vitalmagazineonline.com/answers

63. Dude

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