As input costs continue challenging farmers and diesel users across Missouri, many are looking for practical ways to improve efficiency and manage operating expenses without sacrificing performance. Increasingly, biodiesel is becoming part of that conversation.
Industry partners across the biodiesel supply chain report that, in many cases, biodiesel blends are currently priced competitively — and sometimes even lower — than traditional diesel fuel. For farmers, trucking fleets and equipment operators, that creates an opportunity to reduce fuel costs while continuing to support American agriculture and domestic energy production.
Made from renewable resources such as soybean oil, biodiesel has long served as a value-added market for soybean farmers while offering a reliable fuel option for diesel-powered equipment. Today, the fuel is used in everything from tractors and semis to school buses, municipal fleets and construction equipment.
For Missouri soybean farmers, biodiesel represents more than just another fuel choice. It is a direct connection between the crops grown in local fields and the fuel powering rural America.
“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 biodiesel blends include B5, B11 and B20, all of which are already widely used throughout the transportation and agricultural industries. Diesel engines can utilize approved biodiesel blends without modifications, making the transition seamless for many operations.
As fuel markets fluctuate, biodiesel’s affordability is becoming increasingly attractive to producers carefully managing every operating expense.
“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.”
In addition to supporting agriculture, biodiesel also plays a role in strengthening American energy independence by expanding the use of domestically produced renewable fuels. Increased biodiesel use helps support soybean processing, rural jobs and long-term market growth for farmers across Missouri and the nation.
Missouri Soybeans and the Biodiesel Coalition of Missouri (BCM) continue encouraging farmers and fleets to speak with their fuel suppliers about biodiesel pricing and availability in their region.
Because fuel availability and pricing can vary depending on location, transportation and market conditions, producers are encouraged to ask specifically about biodiesel blends such as B5, B11 and B20 when discussing options with suppliers.
For many operations, biodiesel may represent an opportunity to lower fuel costs while investing back into the industry helping power their livelihood.
To learn more about biodiesel benefits, availability and retailers across Missouri, visit:
https://missouribiodiesel.org
Pricing and availability may vary by region, supplier and market conditions.
