Iowa remains the top producer of both ethanol and biodiesel with production increases last year according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

2022 was another record year for Iowa ethanol production at 4.5 billion gallons, up from the previous record of 4.4 billion gallons in 2021. Observers credit fuel demand returning to pre-pandemic levels, Iowa ethanol plant efficiencies, and the ample local corn supply as factors in the upward trend.

Iowa’s 11 biodiesel plants produced a combined 349 million gallons of biodiesel 2022, up from 340 million gallons in 2021 and the third highest ever, with a record 365 million gallons produced in Iowa in 2018.

“Iowa continues to lead the nation in biodiesel production,” stated IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Biodiesel continues to be a good market for adding value for Iowa farmers. Even with growing renewable diesel production around the country, we see exciting new opportunities for biodiesel in addition to traditional on-road and agricultural markets. Home-heating oil, rail, and even marine applications are emerging that we believe will grow biodiesel demand in future years.” 

The 2023 Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit is coming up February 7 in Des Moines. Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, will share his insight on these and other issues as the keynote speaker at the summit. Registration and more information is available at IowaRenewableFuelSummit.org.