There’s a reason to celebrate green both today and tomorrow – since tomorrow is National Biodiesel Day. March 18 is the birthday of Rudolf Diesel, who invented the engine that bears his name, ran early models on peanut oil, and was an ardent believer in vegetable oil-based fuel, which is why the industry chose this day to celebrate biodiesel. “For …
Saudi Arabia Buying More US DDGs
Saudi Arabia is ramping up its purchases of the ethanol co-product distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from the United States, according to the U.S. Grains Council. Last month, Saudi buyers purchased 18,000 metric tons of U.S. DDGS, a relatively large amount and a dramatic increase from total sales of just 8,400 metric tons in 2014. While the dairy and …
Vets in #Ethanol Industry Send Letter to Trump
Over 100 military veterans who work in the ethanol industry sent a letter to President Donald Trump this week urging him to include a prominent role for ethanol and the RFS in his “America First Energy Plan.” East Kansas Agri-Energy CEO Jeff Oestmann, a Marine Corps vet, started the effort at the recent National Ethanol Conference. “After serving our country …
Celebrating Minnesota Biodiesel Day
March 15 was Biodiesel Day in Minnesota, proclaimed by Gov. Mark Dayton in recognition of the 15 year anniversary of Minnesota’s biodiesel mandate becoming law in 2002. The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) was celebrating yesterday because they helped design that legislation which made Minnesota the first state in the nation to require 10 percent biodiesel, or B10, in diesel …
Ethanol Groups Praise Emissions Rules Review
President Trump announced Wednesday that the administration is reinstating the Midterm Evaluation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) standards for the automotive industry, which is good news for the ethanol industry. “Today’s actions allow the opportunity for EPA to slow down, remove politics from the process, and take a more comprehensive approach to fuel …
More Retail Stations Selling Higher #Ethanol Blends
Last week, Iowa celebrated the opening of the state’s 100th retail station selling 15 percent ethanol blended fuel. Crossroads Convenience Store in Spencer is one of six stations owned by Wessels Oil Company, which has been in business since 1938 and has been offering higher blends of biofuels at their stores since 2014. The Spencer store is the retailer’s first …
AEM Study Shows Ag Economy Matters to Many
A new study shows that 27 percent of manufacturing in the U.S. is for farm equipment, employing more than 114,000 people and contributing 21 billion to the overall economy. “A lot of people forget that agriculture matters to folks who don’t live on farms,” said Nick Tindall with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) during a press conference at the …
Co-op Aiming to Boost Farmer Biodiesel Use
An Iowa farm cooperative wants to convince more farmers in the state to use biodiesel by showing just how well it performs. United Farmers Cooperative of Afton, Iowa compared the performance of two trucks with blends of 5 and 20 percent biodiesel (B5 and B20) performed and the B20 truck won. The four-month trial in 2016 had identical company automatic …
Soy Growers Honor Jobe for Service
The American Soybean Association (ASA) recognized former National Biodiesel Board (NBB) CEO Joe Jobe with its Special Meritorious Service Award during the recent 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas. “Joe’s commitment and dedication helped build and grow a biodiesel industry that has benefited U.S. soybean farmers and many other agricultural stakeholders,” said ASA President Ron Moore, a soybean farmer …
Ethanol Safety Seminars for Montana in March
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), TRANSCAER® and Montana Rail Link are hosting free ethanol safety seminars at three locations in Montana this month for emergency responders. “Ethanol transportation in gasoline blends or denatured for future use is common in Montana. Understanding its uses, transportation modes, and response issues are paramount for our responders,” said Tony Bacino, manager of Safety and …