Increased ethanol production helps Md. grain growers

With world crude oil prices again hovering around $87 a barrel, the outlook for ethanol looks even more promising. And that's good news for Maryland grain farmers.

Ethanol, a gasoline extender made primarily from corn, is expected to enhance farm profitability in the coming years. However, the growth of the industry is projected to result in consumers paying higher prices for groceries at the supermarket.

Those are among the findings of a new USDA study on the alternative fuel and its impact on agricultural.