Ethanol production shuttering squeezing CO2 supplies for meatpackers

In Illinois, Reuters reports that in addition to lower DDGS production for the livestock industry as a result of ethanol producers shutting their doors in the face of low oil prices and low fuel demand due to COVID-19, meatpackers are also set to suffer due to the lack of carbon dioxide ethanol producers make that is required for chilling meat. The American Farm Bureau Association says the ethanol industry accounts for 40% of CO2 production and the Renewable Fuels Association says 29 of the 45 ethanol plants that sell their CO2 have reduced production or shut down completely.