Move by John Deere helps boost demand for biodiesel in Michigan
- Michigan Soybean Committee
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition (MiABC) applauded a recent announcement by John Deere that paves the way for increased use of biodiesel in Michigan and across the country.
The leading farm-equipment manufacturer now approves use of B30 biodiesel blends in all its Tier 4 John Deere Power Systems engines—a 10 percent increase over the previously approved B20 biodiesel blend.
B30 is also approved for use in Tier 4 engines in John Deere construction equipment.
As part of its long history of supporting renewable fuel use, John Deere also previously approved use of 100 percent renewable diesel in Tier 4 engines and blends up to B100 for all Tier 3 and Tier 2 engines.
Tier 4 engines incorporate the latest exhaust-aftertreatment technology designed to reduce harmful particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
Using B30 in Tier 4 engines takes emission reductions even further, reducing hydrocarbons and greenhouse gases.
“Allowing use of B30 biodiesel fuel in John Deere equipment is good news for Michigan farmers and Michigan’s rural communities, especially as we head into the fall harvest season,” said Hanna Campbell, the managing director of MiABC and market-development director for the Michigan Soybean Committee. “Fueling tractors and combines with B30 leads to smoother engine operations and fewer carbon emissions for a cleaner, healthier environment.”
B30 is a blend of 30 percent biodiesel and 70 percent petroleum-diesel fuel.
Biodiesel is made from renewable sources like soybean oil, used cooking oil and other fats and oils that are readily available in Michigan.
Biodiesel adds value to soybeans grown by Michigan farmers by providing a market for soybean oil, a byproduct of soybean-meal processing.
“Biodiesel is an ideal fuel choice for farm equipment because it is made from crops grown right here on our farms,” said Mark Senk of Owosso, Michigan, a farmer and president of the Michigan Soybean Committee. “We at the Michigan Soybean Committee are excited to see higher blends like B30 approved for agricultural equipment and look forward to utilizing these blends during harvest this fall.”
Pierre Guyot, the senior vice president of John Deere Power Systems, added, “At John Deere, we’re committed to supporting and growing the use of renewable fuels in our equipment. We believe strongly in the role that renewable fuels play in supporting the agriculture economy and are excited to offer our customers—including those who grow the very crops used to make renewable fuels—the opportunity to leverage higher blends of fuels like biodiesel in their own equipment.”
Michiganders benefit when diesel-equipment operators fuel with higher biodiesel blends like B30, Campbell said.
“With 1 billion gallons of diesel fuel used annually in Michigan, there is significant potential to improve our quality of life by replacing petroleum diesel with biodiesel,” she said. “Furthermore, biodiesel contributes to the state’s economy—building revenue and creating jobs through biodiesel production, distribution and sales.”
For more information about biodiesel, visit miadvancedbiofuels.com.
