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Farmers Urged to Turn to Biodiesel for Harvest

The combines are rolling on the 2007 harvest and the United Soybean Board along with the Illinois Soybean Association teamed with the National Biodiesel Board and major equipment makers to talk biodiesel during the opening day of the Farm Progress Show. The original equipment manufacters - or OEMs - on hand included engine maker Cummins, Inc., Case IH and New Holland, All support biodiesel use, with approvals to use blends up to 20% biodiesel in newer-model machines.

Soy biodiesel is already used in about 700 commercial fleets, and is available from more than 3,000 U.S. fuel distributors and retailers. The NBB estimates that 225 million gallons of biodiesel were used in the United States last year, and that could top 300 million gallons in 2007. Steve Howell, NBB, told media at the Farm Progress Show that if the United States adopted a universal B5 program, where there was 5% biodiesel in all the fuel sold, "we would replace all the oil we refine from Iraq."

Chuck Myers, USB Domestic Marketing Committee chair, points out that the soybean checkoff has had a key roll in the development of biodiesel. "One of the most important moves in building the industry includes soybean checkoff efforts to provide OEMs with research that will support the use of soy biodiesel in engines. We applaud the cooperation of the manufacturers represented here today and others at the show."

According to NBB, more than 20 OEMs approve soy biodiesel use at various blend levels in their engines. All major auto makers approve a B5 blend.

In addition, this year to get the message out, the checkoff is promoting the biofuel to general audiences through its cosponsorship of the National Tractor Pullers Association.                                 

*This OEM supports various soy biodiesel blends in its equipment. For more information, visit www.biodiesel.org.