Sac County is recognised for ‘A’-rated corn stover biomass

Sac Economic & Tourism Development Ltd. (SETD), Ecostrat and the BDO Zone Initiative have announced the issue of an investment grade BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Sac County, Iowa in the US.
The BDO Zone is rated for 824,000 bone-dry tons per year of corn stover and extends within a 75-mile radius from the centre point, Sac City, IA.
Sac County's 'A' rating indicates high prospective viability to support new biobased plant operations, with low risk associated with Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure in the Zone.
The BDO Zone lies within one of the highest-producing corn regions in the country, with average yields exceeding 190 bushels per acre, ensuring high amounts of corn stover are readily available.
While large-scale stover harvesting is currently limited and there is no industrial competition for corn stover, strong farmer interest in supply contracts indicates significant scaling potential for collection.
A strategic 90-acre greenfield site in Sac County’s industrial park provides an ideal location for bio-industries, supported by solid infrastructure, efficient logistics, a supportive business climate, and competitive living costs.
“We are dedicated to working with bio-based companies to unlock the full value of our corn stover resources, transforming this underutilised feedstock into sustainable, innovative solutions,” stated Brandy Wilson, Sac Economic & Tourism Development.
“We have a strong history of working alongside bio-based businesses with a biodiesel facility in Wall Lake, IA, and a planned bio-based facility near Odebolt. Our 'A' rating emphasizes the vast potential Sac County holds as a leader in bio-based manufacturing and we are excited to showcase what we have to offer here."
Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, stated: “Sac County's 'A' rating reinforces what we already know about Iowa - it's a powerhouse for agricultural biomass. The combination of abundant corn stover and ready-to-go infrastructure makes this region particularly attractive for bio-based developers looking to establish new operations.”