Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Executive order supports Iowa’s biofuels industry

Executive order supports Iowa’s biofuels industry

All new state-owned vehicles must be able to accommodate 20 percent biodiesel

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order designed to help the state’s farmers and its biofuels sector.

All new contracts for state-owned diesel vehicles, including cars, trucks and snowplows, must be purchased from engine manufacturers that can accommodate at least 20 per cent biodiesel, Reynolds announced at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting on Tuesday.

“Ethanol and biodiesel remain essential to the health of the agricultural economy, sustainable environmental commitments and employ thousands of Iowans,” Reynolds said in a statement. “I am proud to stand alongside Iowa Farm Bureau and key stakeholders in the renewable fuels industry to secure the continued demand for biofuels.”

Iowa leads the U.S. in biodiesel production.

The state’s 11 biodiesel facilities produced 365 million gallons in 2018 and have the capacity to produce 400 million gallons annually, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association said.

The industry also supports nearly 5,000 jobs and contributes US$568 million to the state’s gross domestic product.

Additionally, the executive order comes at a time when farmers are facing financial challenges.

“Farm income is at one of its all-time lows and ensuring the full acceptance of higher blends of biodiesel can only help offset those struggles,” Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board and the Iowa Soybean Association’s director of market development, said in a statement. “I’m proud that our state and governor feel so strongly about biodiesel that they’re willing to take this kind of stand.”

Other states have certain biofuel requirements too.

In Minnesota, for example, diesel fuel sold between April and September must contain at least 20 per cent biodiesel.

Farms.com has reached out to Iowa farmers for comment on the executive order.

Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting.
Joseph L. Muprhy/Iowa Soybean Association photo


Trending Video

Dr. David Rosero: Fat Quality in Swine Diets

Video: Dr. David Rosero: Fat Quality in Swine Diets

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. David Rosero from Iowa State University explores the critical aspects of fat quality and oxidation in swine diets. He discusses how different types of lipids affect pig performance and provides actionable insights on managing lipid oxidation in feed mills. Don’t miss this episode—available on all major platforms.

Highlight quote: "Increasing levels of oxidized fats in swine diets reduced the efficiency of feed utilization, increased mortality, and led to more pigs being classified as culls, reducing the number of full-value pigs entering the finishing barns."

Meet the guest: Dr. David Rosero / davidrosero is an assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State University. His research program focuses on conducting applied research on swine nutrition and the practical application of smart farming. He previously served as the technical officer for The Hanor Company, overseeing nutrition, research, and innovation efforts.