Serving Clark, Vermilion, Champaign, Douglas, & Edgar Counties
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Locations
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1509 E University Ave, Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-8300
(217) 384-8300
From Soybean Fields To The Farm, Biodiesel's Benefits Come Full Circle Biodiesel, the alternative fuel produced from soybean oil, is making its way back to the farm. Soon FS will begin on-farm delivery of 2 percent or 20 percent biodiesel/petroleum diesel blend, so farmers can benefit from not only producing the soybeans, but using the value-added product as well. "Biodiesel offers farmers several benefits that outweigh paying just a few cents more than petroleum diesel," says Brad Glenn, president of the Illinois Soybean Association and farmer from Stanford, IL. "If only 1 percent of the diesel fuel used nationwide by farmers every year was replaced with biodiesel, it would require the oil from 23 million bushels of soybeans. That could help boost soybean prices from current low levels." Farmers who choose to use biodiesel will find several benefits. Biodiesel in its pure form is biodegradable, non-toxic, and carries a higher flash point. The environmentally friendly product also helps clear the air by reducing emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfur, and particulate matter. In fact, biodiesel produces up to 50 percent fewer hydrocarbons than straight diesel fuel, which reduces ozone forming potential. The U.S. Department of Energy states that the cancer risk associated with biodiesel particulates is 94 percent lower than petroleum. Farmers will also see increased lubricity with biodiesel. Currently, when sulfur is removed from petroleum diesel fuel to meet clean air standards, lubricity goes down. But through extensive testing, biodiesel has been shown to increase lubricity by up to 65 percent in as little as a 1 percent blend of biodiesel. Farmers can use up to 20 percent blend with no engine modification or warranty concerns for trucks, tractors, or combines, although engine manufacturers have individual specifications. "By using biodiesel, farmers can help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and help make all fuel costs lower. In light of the war on terrorism, we need to be more conscious of our dependence on oil from areas of the world outside the US," Glenn adds. "As long as we grow soybeans, we will have a renewable source to produce biodiesel." For information on biodiesel and how to order the product, please contact: John Snyder (Energy Department Manager) at ILLINI FS, Inc. 217-693-5957.
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