"Best of Times; Worst of Times" for Biodiesel Industry

Jeff Pieterick, President, WBA
from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter
December 20, 2007
Click here to signup to receive the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity..."
- Charles Dickens “A Tale of Two Cities”

Dickens’ assessment of the times leading to the French Revolution resonate still as the world confronts climate change and our need for renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. Foolishness and incredulity remain a concern, particularly when confronting those who insist that our present rates of energy consumption and carbon emissions are sustainable.

There is a great deal of activity in renewable energy and conservation that is nevertheless encouraging. In only one example, the Bali Summit offered a forum for world governments to effectively come together in tackling the important policy and investment decisions required to minimize our carbon emissions and gain energy independence.

In the spirit of the season, let’s look at other positive developments in the renewable energy arena that have gained momentum in 2007 sufficient to advance this effort into the New Year and beyond.

Read More>>

OEI 2008 WI Energy Report sets Roadmap for Achieving "25 X 25"

Click on the graphic above to download the Executive Summary and report highlights.

The complete 2007 Wisconsin Energy Statistics report from the

Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence is available here

2008 RFS Needs to "Top Off the Tank"

Jeff Pieterick, President, WBA

from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

December 03, 2007

Click here to signup to receive the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

"Is it just me, or did the policymakers writing the federal 2008 Renewable Fuel Standards simply run out of gas?"

How else to explain the short-sighted thinking behind this newly released "Renewable (Gasoline) Standard?"

In a recent address, Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) tells us that our nation's security does itself depend upon expanding "our supply of energy sources that can substitute for oil." Why would we then limit our renewable fuel effort to simply adding alcohol to gasoline?

A truly effective RFS would include a fuel-neutral, low-carbon emphasis that would encourage development of the most efficient renewable alternatives that can provide maximum benefit. For now, however, the least we can expect is to properly define transportation fuels to gain a proper baseline from which to start - and diesel fuel needs to be in the policy mix.

Read the entire op/ed article here

"On, Wisconsin!" State Leadership Promotes Renewable Energy

Jeff Pieterick, President, WBA
from Wisconsin Biodiesel Assocation Newsletter
November 26, 2007
Click here to signup to receive the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

"Leadership is a word that is often diminished in impact for the number of times it is claimed. Sometimes, however, there is simply no other word to use in describing effective, forward-looking efforts made on behalf of the common good."

Read complete op/ed piece here>>

Wisconsin Renewable Energy Summit Milwaukee March 12-14

Radloff to Chair Midwest Ag Energy Summit

from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association news service:

The Second Annual Conference of the Midwest Ag Energy Network is scheduled for February 5-6 at Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison. Gary Radloff from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has been chosen to Chair this year's event.

Last year's event in St. Paul was well-attended by representatives of renewable energy agencies from state and federal government along with an impressive group of industry stakeholders from throughout the Midwest. US Secretary of Ag Collin Peterson addressed the group to discuss the pending Farm Bill. Meanwhile, an effective series of breakout sessions explored the creation of state and federal policies in support of biofuels and other renewable energy. A recap of last year's conference, including a full summit report on recommendations and findings, can be accessed here.

This conference in Madison should provide terrific opportunity to learn what's on the horizon for the further development of our country's renewable energy industry. WBA encourages you to make arrangements now to attend.

Read More>>

WBA participating in WI-DNR "Diesel Workgroup"

from the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association news service:

Curbing greenhouse gases and reducing pollution are the objectives of an industry workgroup convened within the state.

The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association is a participant in the workgroup formed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI-DNR). This group is a voluntary collaborative of different diesel fleets and fleet association representatives, vehicle and emission equipment manufacturers, and government agencies that all have an interest and stake in reducing mobile diesel emissions.

Strategies such as limiting engine idling through use of on-board gen-sets on commercial vehicles and other technologies are being explored, as is review of policies and practices within the transportation industry.

According to WBA President Jeff Pieterick, biodiesel has a clear role to play to meet the objectives of the workgroup. "Carbon reduction in our transportation fuels is becoming a priority for the public who are becoming increasingly alarmed about global warming." claims Pieterick. "Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that is immediately available to make an impact by reducing the carbon footprint of our fuel while providing additional 'clean air' benefits.

"We welcome the opportunity to represent the state's biodiesel industry within this group of industry leaders concerned about the environment. It presents a terrific opportunity to introduce Wisconsin biodiesel to the end consumers and help promote biodiesel as an effective home grown fuel for a better Wisconsin."

Biofuels at the Pump is Goal for Doyle and Midwest Governors Association

Biodiesel Easily Introduced to Market as Tool to Combat Greenhouse Gases
from Red Herring: The Business of Technology:
20 November 2007, 11:03by Justin Moresco

Governors of Midwestern U.S. states on Thursday committed to ambitious targets for the distribution and consumption of renewable fuels, marking the third U.S. regional bloc of states to form a pact aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Midwestern alliance is the first major group to set specific targets for E85, the fuel made from a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. By 2025, they want 33 percent of gas stations, or around 9,700 locations, in the region to offer E85. They also want at least 50 percent of all transportation energy consumed in the region to be supplied by locally produced biofuels, such as ethanol fuel or biodiesel, by 2025.

The Midwestern targets could be a boon for companies trying to find easy ways for gas stations to store and distribute biofuels, @Ventures principal Rob Day said.

“Some people are working on building stand-alone stations that only offer biofuels,” he said. “But they will be competing with traditional gas stations, and it is capital intensive.”

E85 cannot be distributed or stored in existing gasoline tanks because of its ethanol content. Distributors and gas stations will have to build new facilities or retrofit existing ones before they can deal in E85.

Existing vehicles will also have to be retrofitted to run on E85. But some other biofuels, such as biodiesel, can be used in any diesel engine.

Governors of Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the premier of Manitoba endorsed the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord. With 22 percent of the U.S. population, the Midwest emits 27 percent of U.S. greenhouse gases and uses just under a quarter of all energy consumed in the country, according to the Midwestern Governors Association.

Read More>>

Biodiesel Quality Summit a "Quality Event"

Wisconsin Clean Cities hosts effective outreach effort
from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association news service:

Nearly 100 people were in attendance at The Wisconsin Summit on Biodiesel Quality that was convened in Pewaukee on Monday, November 19th. The event was hosted by Wisconsin Clean Cities - Southeast Area as an effort to establish effective quality assurance policies and procedures for the Wisconsin biodiesel consumer market. (see Wisconsin Clean Cities press release)

Judy Ziewacz, Director of the state's Office of Energy Independence (OEI), presented a brief overview of Wisconsin's Biodiesel Industry. The primary focus of her remarks was set upon the importance of creating sound government policy and procedures that will best assure the quality of the biodiesel product made available to consumers. Other speakers and participants throughout the day reinforced the need for government oversight to ensure product quality while offering specific examples of how this is accomplished elsewhere throughout the industry.

Read More>>

Presentations Available from Emerson Biofuels Conference Held in Madison

from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association news service:

(Madison, WI) Nearly 150 people were in attendance at Monona Terrace in Madison for the Biofuels Conference in Madison on November 6th. This highly informative event was organized by Emerson/NOVASpect Process Management Solutions.

T. Randall Fortenbery is a Professor at the Renk Agribusiness Institute within the University of Wisconsin Dept. of Ag and Applied Economics and School of Business. A renowned ag economist, Fortenbery highlighted the session with a look at present commodity markets and their impact on the biofuels industry. He also offered an encouraging glimpse into the leadership role Wisconsin is taking in creating a sustainable biodiesel/biofuels industry. (See links below to download a copy of the presentation.)

Clink on links to download MS PowerPoint Presentations offered at the Biodiesel/Biofuels Seminar

T. Randal Fortenbery
Future of the Biodiesel/Biofuels Industry
John Riley, Emerson Systems Representative
Opportunities in Biofuel Automation
Jeff Pieterick, President, Wisconsin Biodiesel AssocIation
Biodiesel Project Development Considerations

(NOTE: All Presentations are offered in .pdf format. Large file size may require patience during download.)

"It's Starting to Look Like a Love Affair with Diesell"

from Wisconsin Biodiesel Association News Service:

Jeff Pieterick, President, WBA
from Wisconsin Biodiesel Assocation Newsletter
November 5, 2007
Click here to signup to receive the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association Newsletter

"It's starting to look like a love affair with diesel!"

And for all the right reasons, too!

The advent of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) mandated in 2006 has opened the door for diesel engines to be offered to US consumers, and the carmakers are driving right through with diesel options to offer.

The new technology "clean diesels" provide fewer emissions and much greater efficiency than their gasoline counterparts. Fuel economy improvements of more than 25% over gasoline are common. (Just ask the neighbor driving the VW TDi and he'll tell you all about a comfortable and roomy ride at upwards of 50mpg.)

Europe has long trended toward diesel power, with over 50% of their automobiles powered by the compression ignition (diesel) engine. The US diesel engine option has been stuck at @3% market penetration, but that's about to change. "Clean diesel" prevails, with result that these European models (and domestic variations) now meet and exceed the most stringent air emission requirements in the country, including those of the California Air Regulatory Board (CARB).

The efficiencies and environmental benefit to be gained by these engines is not unnoticed in the marketplace. In 2005, JD Power and Associates surveyed carbuyers and found that the same demographic that bought the Toyota Prius hybrid were also purchasing VW TDi's. They identified these impressive Volkswagens and their diesel power as Alternative Fuel Vehicles, made even more "Green" with the use of biodiesel.

Read more>>

UPDATE: "Quality Summit" Nov. 19th in Pewaukee

Monday, November 19, 2007
Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center
Pewaukee, WI

Newly Updated! Click Here For Summit Agenda!

Hoon Ge, a renowned national expert on biodiesel quality, will keynote the "Wisconsin Summit on Biodiesel Quality" in Pewaukee on November 19th. The event is sponsored jointly by The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association, Wisconsin Clean Cities - Southeast Area, Inc., the National Biodiesel Board, and other allied industry representatives.

Ge is a fuels consultant to the National Biodiesel Board and is also administrator of the 1-800-BIODIESEL Hotline. He will present on the topic of "The ABC's of Biodiesel Quality & the BQ-9000 National Quality Program."

Chuck Neece from Minnesota will also address the Summit, sharing some of his experience as the Director of New Business Development for FUMPA (Farmer's Union Marketing and Processing Association) Biofuels. He is scheduled to speak about "The Quest for Quality: Minnesota’s Experience and Beyond."

Various breakout sessions will be scheduled throughout the day, and effort will be made by the close of day to arrive at a biodiesel quality policy statement for Wisconsin biodiesel.

Please mark the date on your calendar, and check back here for news and updates on the Wisconsin Summit on Biodiesel Quality.

For more Summit information, including details on registration, agenda, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, contact:

Francis X. Vogel, Exec. Director,

Wisconsin Clean Cities - 414-221-4958

mailto:francis.xvogel@we-energies.com.

List of Alternative Fuel Sites Available at EIA Website

from federaltimes.com:
By TIM KAUFFMAN
November 01, 2007

One of the most challenging aspects of driving an alternative fuel vehicle is finding refueling stations. But an Energy Department Web site makes the task easier.

The department’s Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center — www.eere.energy.gov/afdc — has several online tools for locating refueling stations.

As of Oct. 18, the site listed 5,628 alternative refueling stations nationwide offering one of the following seven fuel types: compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, E-85, electricity, biodiesel, hydrogen and liquefied natural gas.

Read More>>

John Phipps Will Keynote 2008 Corn/Soy Expo

from Wisconsin Ag Connection:

Planning is already underway for Wisconsin Corn/Soy EXPO educational sessions and trade show scheduled for January 24-25, 2008 at the Kalahari Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells. Keynote addresses will be given by John Phipps, host of America's longest-running farm TV show U.S. Farm Report and Elwynn Taylor, agricultural meteorologist from Iowa State University. A special afternoon informational session on nitrogen management is planned with Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal field agronomist.

Read More>>

Governor Doyle Signs Budget

UPDATE: Biodiesel Tax Credits; Grant for Soybean Crush Included

MADISON - The passage of the Wisconsin 2007-09 state budget brings with it a $22 million renewable energy package that goes a long way toward making Wisconsin competitive in the area of biodiesel fuels. The Wisconsin Soybean Association, the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association and Landmark Services Cooperative today applauded the Governor and the Legislature for their support of these measures in the budget and their commitment to renewable energy in Wisconsin.

Read Press Release Here>>

Evansville Celebrates the Soybean!

Reported by Jeff Pieterick
Photo Caption: WSMB Exec. Director Bob Karls (left) and WBA President Jeff Pieterick with "Soyer T. Bean," Mascot of the Evansville Soybean Festival.

Evansville hosted its first "Soybean Festival" on Saturday to celebrate its heritage at the center of soybean production in Wisconsin. The event was a culmination of week-long activities that explored the importance of soybean production in Wisconsin, beginning with a ceremony proclaiming Evansville the "Soybean Capital of Wisconsin." This proclamation was sponsored in the State Legislature by Rep. Brett Davis and Senator Jon Erpenbach, both of whom were on hand for the kick-off along with Ag Secretary Rod Nilsestuen and other dignitaries.

The festival on Saturday featured a Taste of Soy buffet and other displays promoting the many impacts of the soybean in our daily life. It also emphasized soy oil as a feedstock for renewable biodiesel and the economic impact this industry will have on the Evansville community. The highlight of the event was most certainly the performance of the Evansville First Graders singing original songs about the history of Evansville and the important role soybeans have played in its past and its future development as a community.

The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association is proud to have joined with the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board and others in sponsoring this well-attended and well-organized event. Over 500 visitors joined this celebration, and the cooperation of the school district in incorporating soybeans into the curricula throughout the week as part of this event made it a very special celebration, indeed! Our congratulations go out to event organizer Marsha Dobbs and all the many volunteers who helped make this a very special celebration. We look forward to many future "Evansville Soybean Festivals" in the years to come.

Evansville Soybean Festival This Saturday

Visit the WBA exhibit at this celebration of "Evansville: The Soybean Capital of Wisconsin"

from Wisconsin Ag Connection:
The Soybean Festival culminates October 20 with a day of free festivities, food, facility tours and fun for visitors of all ages. Based at Evansville high school from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., events include business displays, a wide variety of free soybean food samples, the soybean cook-off, a professional cooking demonstration, appearance by Wisconsin's Alice In Dairyland Jill Makovec, along with a live remote broadcast by WJVL Radio. A miniature soybean farm and train will be on display along with full-sized farming equipment from nearby John Deere and Case dealerships.

Festival goers can also board buses for tours of soybean operations at The Delong Co., Landmark Services Cooperative and get a first-hand view of construction progress at the North Prairie Productions Biodiesel Plant.

Read More>>

Dairy Policy Summit in Madison to look at "Balancing Energy & Food Production"

from Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin media release:

The Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin will convene a Dairy Policy Summit to discuss “Balancing Energy and Food Production.”

This event will be held Oct. 30-31, 2007 at Madison Marriott West in Middleton, Wis. PDPW Dairy Policy Summit will address current business and industry issues, exchange ideas and seek solutions for today’s dairy and energy industries.

One highlight will be Governor Jim Doyle, as he will discuss the future of the Wisconsin economy. Multiple dignitaries, leaders and experts will also present at the Summit, including UW CALS Dean Molly Jahn; Secretary of the Department of Work Force Development Roberta Gassman; Secretary of DATCP Rod Nilsestuen; Director of Energy Independence Judy Ziewacz and Representative Al Ott, to name a few.

In addition, attendees will tour Rosy-Lane Holsteins, owned by Lloyd & Daphne Holterman and Tim Strobel and the soon-to-open Renew Energy in Jefferson, Wisconsin.

To learn more, check out the Dairy Policy Summit flyer with complete details.
Click here to register online today, or call 800-947-7379 with questions.

NBB Issues a Legislative Action Alert!

Your help is needed! The following legislative action alert was issued by the National Biodiesel Board (NBB):

The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the national biodiesel industry need your assistance in contacting your U.S. Representative in support of H.R. 3781, and both of your Senators in support of S. 1616, "The Biodiesel Promotion and Quality Assurance Act of 2007."

We urge you to send a letter and make a phone call to your U.S. Representative and both of your Senators, asking them to cosponsor H.R. 3781 or S. 1616.

Take action by clicking here

The legislation creates a minimum usage requirement for "biodiesel" and "bio-based replacement diesel" that scales up over time from 450 million gallons in 2008 to 1.25 billion gallons in 2012.

You can find out more information about the bill by reading this fact sheet. The full legislation can be reviewed with the links below: House version (H.R. 3781) - Senate version (S. 1616)

Congress is currently considering energy legislation, and as part of this discussion, there is bipartisan support of efforts to expand the Renewable Fuels Standard. Biodiesel can play a significant role in this effort, and creating a renewable requirement as part of the diesel fuel consumed in the U.S. – similar to the role ethanol plays with gasoline – is sound energy and environmental policy.

The time to act is now, please click here to send a letter to your elected officials in Washington

RELATED NEWS ARTICLE from Congressional Quarterly (CQ.com) on progress being made on the Energy Bill is available here. Renewable Fuels Program is one of three items presently "off the table" for discussion.

WBA Expands Education & Outreach Effort

The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association expanded its Education and Outreach effort on Sunday with the publication of its first e-newsletter. This newsletter will be issued on a regular basis to provide updates about biodiesel activities and events in the state. In addition, latest headlines from the WBA News Service will be featured with links provided to the appropriate webpages.

The e-newsletter represents the latest resource made available to Wisconsin biodiesel advocates as a tool to be used in keeping abreast of the latest news and developments affecting the state's renewable energy and biofuels industry. Other WBA News and Information resources you can access are offered as follows:

Wisconsin Biodiesel Report - A news page that offers the latest information about WBA activities and events.

Wisconsin Biodiesel News - A news page that keeps you up to date on various news articles and developments that bear impact upon Wisconsin's biodiesel industry.

WBA Website - A great source for background information about biodiesel and your Wisconsin Biodiesel Association.

WBA strives to provide you with the best news resource available to keep you informed about the state's biodiesel industry and its contribution toward our quest for energy independence and alternatives to fossil fuels. It's our way of most effectively promoting "Home Grown Fuel for a Better Wisconsin."

WBA Board Member David Crass Appointed to CALS Board

From Wisconsin Ag Connection:

David Crass, Managing Partner of Michael Best & Friedrich's Madison office and Chair of the Firm's Agribusiness, Food Processing & Distribution practice group, has been selected to serve a four-year term on the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences' Board of Visitors.

The board provides an important link between the agricultural, natural resources, life sciences and rural development communities and CALS. Selection to the Board of Visitors is among the highest forms of recognition offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Board members are selected by the Dean for exhibiting leadership in the agricultural field and showing commitment to the College.David Crass is a founding Board Member of the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association.

Read More>>

"Running on Fumes" Documentary

Jack LeFeber is a documentary film maker from Milwaukee. He is in production of a documentary film about renewable alternatives to oil entitled "Running on Fumes." A video trailer produced to promote the documentary can be seen here.

"Wisconsin Counties Lead By Example" - WBA Invites Counties to Use Biodiesel

WISCONSIN DELLS, WI - October 2, 2007 -
Calling upon local governments to “lead by example,” the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association has reached out to the counties in an effort to expand distribution of biodiesel in Wisconsin.

WBA representatives will be on hand during the WI Counties Association Convention held Oct. 9 - 11th in Wisconsin Dells to encourage county governments to include biodiesel in their fuel networks.

WBA Press Release

WBA "Counties Lead By Example" Flyer

WBA issues a Legislative Action Alert

Nearly 50 were in attendance at the monthly meeting of the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association that was held Wednesday in Madison. It was an informative session including presentations focused upon "Wisconsin Biodiesel: Growing a Renewable Energy Industry."

The challenges that confront the biodiesel industry in Wisconsin were explored. Production and distribution of biodiesel, feedstock issues, and market development within the state were examined. John Wilson, lobbyist from Michael Best & Friedrich, talked about the items included in the legislative initiative that has been advanced by WBA, along with an explanation of the way in which passage of these budget items will address the concerns outlined.

It's now "crunch time" in the State Budget process. A WBA Legislative Action Alert has been issued that explains how you can most effectively contact your state legislator and the Governor's office to encourage their support for the biodiesel industry initiative in this budget. We encourage you to do so this week as budget deliberations in the Legislature's Joint Conference Committee show promise of soon coming to a close.

Fortenbery to speak at Biodiesel/Biofuels Seminar in Madison November 6th

MADISON,, WISCONSIN – September 28th, 2007 – T. Randall Fortenbery, Ph.D, will keynote the "Biofuels Seminar" in Madison on November 6, 2007. Fortenbery is the Renk Professor of Agribusiness and Director of the Renk Agribusiness Institute in the Dept. of Applied Economics at UW-Madison. He will be addressing the "Future of Biodiesel/Biofuels Industry, Feedstock and Project Execution Considerations.

WBA President Jeff Pieterick is also scheduled to address the Seminar in a break-out session that will examine "Biodiesel Project & Commission Considerations."

This Seminar is sponsored by Emerson/Novaspect and will be held at the Monona Terrace Convention Center from 8:00am until 4:00pm. Click here for Registration information.

Evansville declared "Soybean Capital of Wisconsin"

"Soybean Festival" scheduled for October 20th

Evansville is proud of their heritage as the center for most of the soybean production in the State of Wisconsin. The community is sponsoring a "Soybean Festival" in the schools the week of October 15-20th, with a community-wide celebration to be held at the High School on Saturday, October 20th.

This festival is focused primarily upon education and promises to have something to offer the entire family. Attendees will learn about soybeans and soy products, with ample opportunity to taste various food items made from soybeans. Tours will be conducted to local farm fields to witness the soybean harvest, with a swing past the construction site where North Prairie Productions is building a 45 million gallon per year capacity biodiesel plant that will convert soy oil into renewable biodiesel.

Pack up the kids and join with us on October 20th as we help celebrate Evansville's heritage as "The Soybean Capital of Wisconsin."

100+ bu/acre soybeans? Pioneer Hi-Bred to market new variety

DES MOINES, Iowa -- DuPont Co. said Friday it will introduce new varieties of soybean seeds next year that could increase yields by as much as 12 percent per acre.

The announcement comes as soybeans are becoming more prized because of their use in diesel fuel and as health-conscious consumers warm to the idea of soy-based foods.

DuPont's Iowa-based subsidiary, Pioneer Hi-Bred, will commercialize the five new varieties of soybeans pending final trial results this fall, the company said.

Read complete article here

Just a Reminder: WBA Meeting Wednesday in Madison

"Wisconsin Biodiesel: Growing a Renewable Energy Industry."

9:30 until Noon
Downtown Madison
Hope to see you there!

Farm Tech Days a Great Success for Wisconsin Biodiesel!

The Wisconsin Biodiesel Association sponsored a very successful presence for biodiesel at this year's Farm Tech Days, held September 18-20 at the Plain View Stock Farm near Albany. Many farmers and others interested in Wisconsin agriculture stopped by to learn about biodiesel and to share their excitement about "Home Grown Fuel for a Better Wisconsin."

Our thanks to the many volunteers who made possible the participation of WBA in this very impressive event.

Open House at Sanimax marks milestone for Wisconsin biodiesel

Sanimax held an Open House at their new biodiesel plant in Deforest on Tuesday, September 18th. At 20 million gallons per year capacity, this facility is the first major producer of renewable biodiesel to come online in Wisconsin. Sanimax's proprietary technology allows them to manufacture biodiesel from soy oil and other vegetable oils, as well as from waste oils and animal fats.

Click on the link to read and/or view a WISC News 3 "Going Green" report on the Sanimax Open House and plant tour.

WBA at 2007 Farm Tech Days

WBA welcomed many visitors to the biodiesel display that was arranged in the UW-Extension Applied Technology tent at this year's Farm Tech Days. The Expo continues through Thursday. We encourage you to visit the event at Albany, and stop by to see us as you take it all in!

EPA "Grow & Go" Program matches Shippers with Truckers using biodiesel

An expanded federal initiative and growing customer demand for “green” shippers are expected to accelerate biodiesel use in the trucking industry.

Through its new “Grow and Go” program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is educating the industry about biodiesel benefits and matching product shippers with truckers that use the bio-based fuel.

Grow and Go is part of EPA’s SmartWay program, which encourages technologies and strategies aimed at improving fleet energy efficiency while reducing air pollution.

NBB Report: Biodiesel Helps Environment, Food Supply

Sept 12 , 2007 -In May of 1998, the US Department of Energy (DOE) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the results of the Biodiesel Lifecycle Inventory Study. It compared findings for a comprehensive "cradle to grave" inventory of materials used; energy resources consumed; and air, water and solid waste emissions generated by petroleum diesel fuels and biodiesel in order to compare the total "lifecycle" costs and benefits of each of the fuels. This 3.5-year study followed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and private industry-approved protocols for conducting this type of research.

It found that for every unit of energy that goes into making biodiesel, 3.2 units are gained. That’s a very high energy balance, especially compared to diesel. For every unit of energy that goes into making diesel fuel, only .88 of a unit is gained, for a negative energy balance.

"Biodiesel Harvest" Promoted at Farm Tech Days

ALBANY, WISCONSIN – September 17th, 2007 – Wisconsin’s biodiesel industry is meeting with farmers at this week’s Farm Tech Days to promote biodiesel use during this year’s harvest. The farm exposition is being held September 18-20 in Albany.

Jeff Pieterick, President of the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association (WBA), acknowledges that Wisconsin farmers are already among biodiesel’s biggest advocates and therefore don’t need to be sold on the benefits of using the alternative to petroleum diesel. “Promoting the use of biodiesel to Wisconsin farmers is a bit like taking coal to Newcastle,” says Pieterick. “The Wisconsin Soybean Association and others in the state ag industry understand biodiesel and have historically promoted the home grown fuel as a value-added agricultural product that supports this nation’s energy independence.”

The WBA “Biodiesel Harvest” promotional effort at Farm Tech Days, however, is designed to take the state’s biodiesel industry to the next step in its development by increasing availability of the product for consumers. WBA is asking farmers to request biodiesel from their local fuel distributor to help fuel this Fall’s harvest. By demanding biodiesel from their suppliers, farmers will encourage distributors to make biodiesel more available not only to their farm customers, but to all retail purchasers of diesel fuel.

Complete article here

Additional information from United Soybean Board here

Research shows biodiesel greatly improves health impacts of diesel exhaust

Science Daily — Researchers at Deakin University have found that diesel exhaust is far more damaging to our health than exhaust from biodiesel, the plant-based fuel.

Associate Professor Leigh Ackland, Associate Head of Deakin's School of Life and Environmental Sciences, led a team of researchers who compared the effects of diesel exhaust and biodiesel exhaust on human airway cells. They found that diesel exhaust damaged and killed the cells, while biodiesel exhaust had little effect.

read entire article here

Landmark advances soybean crush effort for Evansville

Landmark Willing to Build Soy Crush Facility with State's Help
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/14/2007

The city of Evansville, which was recently proclaimed as the Soybean Capital of Wisconsin, has even more news to boast about in the world of bioenergy. On Thursday, Landmark Services Cooperative announced they are willing to partner with the state of Wisconsin and the city to begin the financing process on a long awaited soybean crushing facility--but lawmakers have to make the first move. Landmark said it is committed to matching any investment made by the state toward a soybean crushing plant in Evansville, up to a maximum of $4 Million.

See complete article here

WBA will be at Farm Tech Days

Wisconsin's Farm Tech Days is being held this year at the Plain View Stock Farm near Albany Wisconsin. The show will run from Tuesday, September 18 through Thursday, September 20.

This premier farm show presents an excellent opportunity to discover what's new in agribusiness in Wisconsin. The WBA will have an exhibit in the Applied Technology tent where we will be encouraging farmers to request biodiesel for their equipment as they engage this year's harvest.

"Wisconsin Biodiesel: Growing a Renewable Energy Industry" is topic for WBA Meeting in Madison September 26th

The WBA will present an overall look at Wisconsin's bodiesel industry at our meeting in September. This meeting - open to the public with free admission - will offer four presentations from industry representatives that will explain the opportunities and challenges that confront the industry. In addition, we will explore ways the WBA is attempting to promote and advance the growth of biodiesel in Wisconsin.

Please join us as we look to the future with an eye toward establishing biodiesel as a "Home Grown Fuel for a Better Wisconsin."

A full agenda and meeting details are available here