Futures prices for oilseeds, such as soybeans, as well as the price of corn rose after the federal government’s announcement on the amount of biodiesel and ethanol to be blended into the nation’s fuel supply. This report from Nasdaq says soybean prices rose to a five-week high, while corn prices also saw some gains. Buying in the soybean-oil market also …
McD’s Cooking Oil Biodiesel Runs to Mars and Back
Biodiesel made from McDonald’s used cooking oil in the United Arab Emirates hit an impressive milestone: running the equivalent of the distance to Mars and back. This article in the UAE’s The National says McDonald’s UAE fleet completed 5 million kilometres this month fueled entirely by biodiesel. The green fuel is possible thanks to a four-year partnership between Mickey D’s …
Researchers Sequence Algae Genome for Biodiesel
Researchers at the University of Washington have sequenced the genome for a type of algae and found important information for biodiesel production. This news release from the school says the scientists sequenced the complete genetic makeup of the important and plentiful algae, known as haptophytes. “Haptophytes are really important in carbon dioxide management and they form a critical link in …
On #givingTuesday, Give to Biodiesel’s Future
Tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 1, is what is known as Giving Tuesday, a day during this time of year when you are asked to give to charitable causes. The National Biodiesel Foundation asks you consider giving to the future of biodiesel. Interested in helping young scientists get involved with biodiesel? Your donation to the National Biodiesel Foundation on Giving Tuesday, December …
Nanoparticle Helps Harvest Algae, Brew Biodiesel
Researchers in Taiwan have made a magnetic nanoparticle for harvesting microalgae, extracting algae oil and converting the oil’s fatty acids into a methyl ester, used in biodiesel. This article from the Taipei Times says a National Taiwan University (NTU) team led by Wu Chia-wen developed the product. The team used iron oxide and silicon dioxide to form nanoparticles, which, when …
Heating Oil Assoc. Helps Teach About Biodiesel
The Big Apple is getting a little smarter on biodiesel heating oil. The New York Oil Heating Association (NYOHA) says it’s helped a Bronx teacher get Bioheat into his HVAC training. Peter Gonzalez is teaching the science of Bioheat® fuel – as well as math, chemistry and English – to 17 Bronx Design and Construction Academy juniors this fall, with …
New Exec Committee at Nat’l Biodiesel Foundation
There’s a new Executive Committee for the National Biodiesel Foundation. This news release from the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) said the group was elected during the NBB’s recent fall directors meeting in Washington, D.C., and the foundation is designed to advanced initiatives important to the commercial biodiesel industry. Industry representatives elected to the board include: – President: Mike Cunningham is …
Propane Council Unveils Farm Safety Site for Kids
A new website is giving kids more information about how to be safe around propane on the farm. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) unveiled the interactive site – propanekids.com/agsafety – that includes fun and educational videos, science experiments, and activities aimed at children ages 12 and under. “Our Amazing Farm,” the latest addition to the PropaneKids.com site, features …
Iowa Biodiesel Plant to Get $38 Mil Expansion
An Iowa biodiesel plant will get a $38 million expansion that will just about double the refinery’s output. This article from the Sioux City Journal says Ag Processing Inc. (AGP) is moving forward with the project just south of the city with some help from local and state incentives. “This expansion reflects our commitment to the biodiesel industry and soybean …
Camelina Serves Biodiesel and Bees
Camelina is pulling double duty as a biodiesel source and a cover crop. And this article from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it is also keeping bees well fed. [S]cientists with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have found that its flowering period can provide honey bees and other insects with a critical, early-spring source of nectar and pollen that’s …