Farmer Resources2023-01-31T17:16:36+00:00

Farmer Resources

Using Biodiesel

Illinois farmers like you are growing more than crops in your fields, you’re growing sustainable energy. That’s because your soybeans can be transformed into soy-based biodiesel. B20, a blend of 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent biodiesel is now a high quality fuel option that can power your equipment year-round in addition to offering many environmental benefits. In addition, using B20 biodiesel to fuel your farm is like putting money back in your own pocket because it adds more than 10 percent to the price of soybeans!

Learn about the benefits biodiesel to farmers by downloading the PDF and then scroll down to learn the truth about biodiesel.

Rediscover Biodiesel

Today, biodiesel quality and performance is at its best. The past should not determine your opinion on biodiesel today, because the industry has grown and evolved. Biodiesel produced at a modern refinery provides similar fuel economy, horsepower, torque and haulage rates as petroleum diesel fuel. On top of that, biodiesel also provides higher cetane and lubricity than its petroleum counterparts. Watch the brief video to learn the truth about biodiesel and for more details on the facts, continue reading below.

Ask your Supplier for Biodiesel Blends

Check the gas pump for stickers indicating diesel fuel blended with biodiesel.

Bust These Biodiesel Myths

Myth: Voids Engine Warranty2022-12-08T22:59:00+00:00

Truth: Manufacturers Support Biodiesel

Using biodiesel does not void any manufacturers’ vehicle or engine parts and workmanship warranties. All U.S. diesel vehicle manufacturers support use of B5 biodiesel, and higher B20 blends can be used in more than 80 percent of the diesel vehicles coming off production lines.

Myth: Increases Maintenance Costs2022-12-08T22:59:55+00:00

Truth: No Maintenance Worries

Biodiesel functions like conventional diesel fuel – requiring no engine modifications and no added maintenance. In fact, biodiesel has engine cleaning properties.

Myth: Is Waste Grease2022-12-08T23:01:21+00:00

Truth: Is an Advanced Biofuel

It’s true that biodiesel can be made from recycled cooking oils, as well as soybean oil and animal fats. However, a refining process called transesterification converts these oils and fats into fuel-grade biodiesel that meets industry specifications. Don’t confuse raw fats and oils with high quality biodiesel fuel.

Myth: The Same As Ethanol2022-12-08T23:02:49+00:00

Truth: Made for Diesel Engines

Biodiesel and ethanol are both biofuels, but they come from different biological materials and have different uses. Biodiesel is made from oils and fats, creating a high BTU content fuel for diesel vehicles. Ethanol is an alcohol made from fermentation of of corn and cellulosic materials and is designed only for use in gasoline engines.

Myth: Doesn’t Perform Well2022-12-08T23:04:19+00:00

Truth: Reliable Engine Performance

Biodiesel has higher cetane than U.S. diesel fuel, which means the fuel ignites faster and causes the engine to run better. B20 (20 percent blend of biodiesel with diesel fuel) provides similar fuel economy, horsepower, torque and haulage rates as diesel fuel. Biodiesel also has superior lubricity and it has the highest energy content of any alternative fuel.

Myth: Causes Problems In Winter2022-12-08T23:05:27+00:00

Truth: Used Successfully Year-Round

B20 biodiesel blends are used successfully all year in the coldest U.S. climates. Treat biodiesel like regular diesel fuel by using cold-weather additives recommended by your fuel supplier. And, regardless of the fuel you use, make sure your storage tank is free from water that can freeze in cold temperatures.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program.

Bloomington Office
1108 Trinity Lane
Bloomington, IL 61704
P: (309) 663-7692 | F: (309) 663-6981

Lombard Office
100 22nd St., Suite 102
Lombard, IL 60148
P: (312) 260-7692

Springfield Office
217 E. Monroe, Unit 95
Springfield, IL 62701

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations.

© 2024 Illinois Soybean Association

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