Publications
Publications
- November 2010 (Revised December 2010)
- HBS Case Collection
Mid-Missouri Energy: Ethanol from Corn
By: Forest L. Reinhardt, Noel Michele Holbrook, James Weber and Karla Sartor
Abstract
Mid-Missouri Energy (MME) is a farmer-owned cooperative that produces ethanol from corn. The cooperative has performed well in comparison to other producers, but margins in the industry had declined as industry production levels neared market demand limits. MME farmers needed to decide whether to take advantage of their success and expand through acquisitions, whether they should sell the plant, or whether they should continue current operations. MME must consider ongoing regulatory changes that impacted the industry, the possible impact of imported ethanol, the power of the petroleum industry that bought its product, and ongoing uncertainty about corn and ethanol price swings.
Keywords
Agribusiness; Renewable Energy; Governing Rules, Regulations, and Reforms; Policy; Growth and Development Strategy; Cooperative Ownership; Business and Government Relations; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; United States
Citation
Reinhardt, Forest L., Noel Michele Holbrook, James Weber, and Karla Sartor. "Mid-Missouri Energy: Ethanol from Corn." Harvard Business School Case 711-004, November 2010. (Revised December 2010.)