More than 400 area farmers have invested in the Adkins Energy ethanol production plant being constructed in Lena, Illinois. The 30 million gallon facility will create 70 new jobs and utilize more than 11 million bushels of corn each year. "Six months ago, we won a major battle when, together, we lobbied successfully for the extension of the federal tax exemption for ethanol through 2007," said Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. "One of the strongest arguments for the extension was the promise of new ethanol plants, especially local farmer-owned cooperatives such as this one that can do so much to stimulate the rural economy."