Mosbey feted for ethanol industry leadership

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The general manager of locally-owned ethanol plant was the recipient of the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s Ethanol Award.

Eric Mosbey, of LincolnLand Agri-Energy in Palestine, who recently served as Illinois Renewable Fuels Association president, received the honor at ICGA’s annual meeting Nov. 26.

Mosbey has been general manager of facility for 17 years. This past summer, the plant celebrated its 20th anniversary of ethanol production, making over one billion gallons of ethanol and using more than 360 million bushels of Illinois corn.

While serving the Illinois ethanol industry, Mosbey supported Illinois’ sales tax incentive bill for ethanol blends of 15% and above. He’s also talked to non-farmers in Chicago and the collar counties about ethanol via an Illinois Farm Families Facebook Live event.

“Working with a great team of people to continuously improve plant results is the most satisfying part of the work here for me,” Mosbey said.

“I’m proud of what the ethanol industry and ethanol plants have been able to do for the rural communities in which they operate and proud of the beneficial impact that our products have on fuel prices, air quality and livestock feed rations. Seeing corn demand and biofuels adoption grow to provide food, feed and fuel to consumers has been a great experience.

“It’s been under the same ownership for the entire time. It’s majority owned by the same farmer co-op that was put together in the beginning. It’s been a nice place to be for our community the last 20 years.

“This award is very much appreciated. The Illinois Renewable Fuels Association wouldn’t have got up and going without Illinois Corn’s help and we appreciate (ICGA biofuels and research director) Dave Loos and all of the staff that helps us out, working on all of the issues in Illinois and getting our input into the national issues, as well.

“We’ve been working hard to push the higher level blends. Exports are challenging, but we’re going to just keep at it.”

“Eric is one of those leaders that has shown up for the ethanol industry — an important demand driver for corn — and made it more successful by his leadership and example,” said ICGA President and Victoria farmer Dave Rylander.

“He is always willing to represent the industry, is knowledgeable and has earned the trust of his peers. We are delighted to honor his work for ethanol with this award.”

Mosbey and his wife have three daughters and celebrate that his family farm in Lawrence County is still owned and operated by his family today.