Farmers attending the upcoming 2018 Farm Progress Show at Boone could be harvesting this fall with equipment powered by fuel produced in Iowa. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is partnering with the Iowa Soybean Association to offer farmers eight chances to win $500 worth of biodiesel-blended fuel.

“Biodiesel adds so much value to Iowa’s farmers,” says Cassidy Walter, IRFA biodiesel lead. “Not only is biodiesel made from soybean oil, corn oil and animal fats farmers produce, but its higher cetane rating and lubricity improves performance and prolongs the life of the engine. Farm Progress Show is the perfect venue for us to showcase these benefits, and this contest is an excellent opportunity for farmers who haven’t used biodiesel before to try it risk-free.”

Time to start using biodiesel
Farmers interested in the contest should stop by the Iowa Soybean Association tent at Lot 740 and enter the drawing to win. The 2018 Farm Progress Show takes place in Boone, Iowa, Aug. 28-30. Eight winners from around the state will be selected and contacted after the conclusion of the three-day event.

IRFA represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and works to foster its growth. Iowa is the nation’s leader in renewable fuels production with 43 ethanol refineries capable of producing nearly 4.4 billion gallons annually, including about 55 million gallons of annual cellulosic ethanol production capacity and 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce 400 million gallons annually.

IRFA offers speakers bureau
In other news, IRFA last week announced the launch of a resource designed to make finding Iowa’s biodiesel experts easier than a Google search. The Iowa Biodiesel Speakers Bureau is live on the IRFA website. It’s a collection of biodiesel experts from across the state who share the goal of educating Iowans about the benefits of using biodiesel. 

“It is our hope that the Iowa Biodiesel Speakers Bureau proves to be a helpful educational tool for anyone looking to learn more about biodiesel,” Walter says. “Every year there are stories written or events taking place across the state where it would make sense for biodiesel to have a voice, but it can be difficult for organizations to find the right fit. Our speakers’ bureau makes it as simple as a few clicks to find an expert.”

Reporters, businesses or anyone looking for a biodiesel expert for an event or interview can visit IowaRFA.org/BiodieselSpeakers and search by area of expertise. Areas of expertise range from biodiesel production, to the impact of biodiesel on Iowa’s economy and environment, to biodiesel use in different vehicles, and more. By clicking on the photo of an expert, additional information will appear such as a professional biography and travel requirements.

To learn more about the Iowa Biodiesel Speakers Bureau or to request contact information for a speaker, contact Walter at [email protected] or 515-252-6249.