ROANOKE, Ill. – Illinois Soybean Association’s (ISA) checkoff program communications manager, Claire Weinzierl, led a weeklong road trip to dispel fallacies about biodiesel and dispense free, hot breakfasts to farmers. The harvest-time road trip included stops at four Illinois grain elevators: Roanoke Farmers Coop, Central Grain Company in Belvidere, Premier Cooperative in Thomasboro and M&M Service Company in Litchfield.

Delayed from earlier this month due to rainy weather until Oct. 19-22, the event was organized by ISA leaders with the goal of encouraging farmers to overcome preconceived notions about biodiesel. Those misconceptions include quality and equipment integration challenges, although B20 and lower blends can be considered a “drop-in” replacement for petroleum diesel and can fuel any diesel vehicle without modifications, according to the ISA.

“The whole idea behind the events is to not only serve farmers a hot breakfast and coffee, but to promote the on-farm use of biodiesel that they’re growing right here in Illinois,” Weinzierl said. “We gauged how many farmers and in what regions are using biodiesel already, and if not, addressing some of the issues that are preventing them from doing so.”

The complimentary breakfast included a breakfast burrito or sandwich, coffee, packaged soy-based snack and informational material about the benefits of biodiesel. Weinzierl and her team utilized the time spent with the farmers over breakfast at the elevators to gauge their perceptions of biodiesel and the benefits of making the switch from petroleum diesel.

“The events garnered some really good information regarding biodiesel usage around the state to help us focus our efforts more effectively,” she said. “I also think farmers were really pleased to see the soybean checkoff bringing them a hot breakfast and appreciating them for all their hard work this harvest.”

ISA District 10 director and board secretary Elliott Uphoff fuels up his semi trucks with B20 and powers his farming equipment with B11 – including farm trucks he has powered with B11 year-round for the past two years. Uphoff reported consistent fuel mileage with “no issues” resulting from year-round use of the lower blend.

“Biodiesel and the farming operation go hand in hand. It’s something we help produce and that we need to fuel our operation. I never think twice about using biodiesel. It’s safe and proven on our farm. Farmers should be champions of a product they help produce,” Uphoff said in a recent ISA news release.

“Biodiesel is a win for Illinois farmers,” added Andrew Larson, ISA director of market development. “Not only does it reduce each farm’s carbon footprint, but it’s using a product that supports their bottom line. Using B20 biodiesel blends and above add more than 10 percent to the price of soybeans. The quality of biodiesel today is also better than ever. B20 can be used in diesel engines with little or no modifications, and with proper fuel management just like with any diesel fuel.”

ISA has developed farmer-facing biodiesel resources available online at www.ilsoy.org/farmer-resources-biodiesel.