Biodiesel Benefits From Farmers – and Benefits Farmers

Autumn means different things to different people. The end of summer. The start of school. The return of football.

It can also literally mean the time of gathering crops. The word “harvest” comes from an Old English word meaning “autumn.” And here in the Midwest, where Chevron Renewable Energy Group has its headquarters, autumn is strongly associated with the harvesting of crops from the field.

Biodiesel owes a lot to American agriculture. The clean-burning diesel replacement is made from a diverse mix of feedstocks that come from farm products, including vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled cooking oil.

Economics

Biodiesel also gives back to farmers. The production and growing use of biofuels have:

• Added over $2 to a bushel of soybeans
• Increased beef tallow prices by 13%
• Increased corn prices by 15%
• Increased pork grease prices by 17%

The benefits are realized nationwide. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says that biodiesel adds roughly $32,823 in profit to a 1,000-acre farm.

Environment

Biodiesel is also good for the environment, something that’s critical for farmers, who need clean soil, water and air for their crops. B100 reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 75 percent and particulate matter by 47 percent compared with petroleum diesel.

Performance

And finally, the fuel performs. Farmers use biodiesel blends in their diesel equipment with great success. Biodiesel meets ASTM specifications, and it provides a more complete combustion than ULSD and added lubricity.
Farmers give biodiesel producers the feedstocks they need to create fuel. In return, biodiesel producers give farmers economic, environmental and performance benefits. That’s something to celebrate this autumn. 


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