By Blake Jackson
Rising input expenses and volatile fuel prices are pushing Missouri farmers and diesel users to search for cost-saving solutions that do not reduce equipment performance.
As a result, biodiesel is gaining renewed attention as an affordable fuel option that also supports American agriculture and domestic energy production.
Industry leaders across the biodiesel sector say biodiesel blends are currently priced competitively with conventional diesel and, in some regions, may even cost less.
That price advantage is encouraging farmers, trucking companies, and equipment operators to explore greater biodiesel use as they work to manage operating budgets more carefully.
Produced from renewable resources such as soybean oil, biodiesel has become an important market for soybean growers while serving as a dependable fuel source for diesel-powered machinery. Biodiesel blends are commonly used in tractors, semis, construction equipment, school buses, and municipal fleets throughout the country.
For soybean farmers in Missouri, biodiesel also creates a stronger connection between agricultural production and energy use in rural communities.
“Biodiesel continues creating demand for soybean oil while helping strengthen domestic energy production and rural economies,” said Matt Amick, Executive Director of the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri.
“At the same time, farmers and diesel users are seeing biodiesel blends remain a competitive option at the pump. That combination creates real value for agriculture.”
Common blends including B5, B11, and B20 are already widely accepted across the transportation and agriculture industries. Since approved biodiesel blends can typically be used without engine modifications, many operators can adopt the fuel without changing equipment or infrastructure.
Farmers are also viewing biodiesel as a way to support soybean markets while reducing fuel expenses.
“Farmers understand better than anyone that every dollar has a purpose,” said Garrett Riekhof, Missouri Soybean Association director and farmer from Higginsville, Mo.
“Choosing biodiesel can help operations stretch fuel budgets while supporting a product tied directly to U.S. soybean farmers. Let’s burn what we grow - we farmers can use our own products to help support the price of beans.”
Missouri Soybeans and the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri continue encouraging producers to discuss biodiesel pricing and availability with local fuel suppliers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-lightfieldstudios
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn, Soybeans