During the National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo several Next Generation Scientists displayed their biodiesel research through “posters”. These budding scientists are smart, talented, creative and innovative. Did I mention they are innovative? These college students are conducting research that has never been done before and as it moves forward, should help improve biodiesel production. A bit of a plug- … Read More

If you have a passion for biosystems engineering and biodiesel then you should consider going to college at Clemson University (or transferring there for your advanced degree). Why? Because three of the coolest biodiesel researchers and innovators are currently working together to advance biodiesel. The biodiesel gurus are all members of Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel (Seriously students, why haven’t … Read More

What do Alex McCurdy, Michael Morgan and Robert Willis have in common? They all work in the same lab at Utah State University (USU) and are working on three integrated pieces of biodiesel research. They are members of Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel, and work in Lance Seefeldt’s lab, a professor in USU’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and a … Read More

You wouldn’t think so, but Nevada is one of the true pioneering states for biodiesel. Many years ago, before many knew about the benefits of biodiesel, Las Vegas began a citywide campaign to lower air emissions. The solution: biodiesel. One of the earliest adopters of biodiesel in the country was the Clark County School District who began using biodiesel in … Read More

I’ll take a Hino truck please. During the Biodiesel Vehicle Showcase held during the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, Glenn Ellis, Hino Trucks’ Vice President of Marketing and Dealer Operations presented a game changer: the 2013 Hino 195h hybrid truck. And its already making its mark in the medium duty truck segment. The truck … Read More

Nothing runs like a Deere. Especially a Deere running with biodiesel. John Deere demonstrated its vast array of diesel equipment able to run on biodiesel during the Biodiesel Vehicle Showcase. Why Biodiesel? Well, in addition to security benefits for Americans, it also improves lubricity, reduces sulfur emissions, and reduces aromatics. Biodiesel has a high cetane content for faster ignition. These … Read More

Ford Motor Company showed off its new 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty truck that can use up to B20 during the Biodiesel Vehicle Showcase in Las Vegas. Part of the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference, the showcase featured consumer and fleet vehicles that can be powered by biodiesel. During the event, Gerald Koss, Fleet Marketing and Product Strategy Manager … Read More

Ever wondered about the fruits of your labor? Soybean growers from around the country had the opportunity to see all the different products made from soybeans during the Farmers Las Vegas Tour (or should we say BioVegas tour) where they visited the Rebel Oil Fuel Terminal, the Biodiesel of Las Vegas plant, and the SYNLawn showroom, where where soybeans are … Read More

The National Biodiesel Board praised Sec. Vilsack as one of the strongest advocates for renewable fuels in the nation, and presented him with the National Energy Leadership Award during the final day of the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. “I’ve witnessed the beginning of a rural renaissance that is remarkable, and you, sir, have … Read More

United States Agriculture Department (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed a standing room only crowd during the final day of the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. Beginning his second term as part of the Obama Administration, prior to taking this position he was the Governor of Iowa. Vilsack has been a leader in the support of … Read More

The biodiesel industry has many to thank for efforts that have lead to greater adoption and support of biodiesel. One area that has been an early adopter is the Big Apple – New York City. Under the leadership of John D. Maniscalco, the CEO of the New York Oil Heating Association, New York City recently passed landmark registration: beginning in … Read More

This past year was a roller coaster but with some big achievements, said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board during her presentation at the 10th Annual Conference in Las Vegas. One big achievement: the increase of volume of biodiesel gallons as part of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). This, noted Steckel, reflects the ongoing … Read More

Former North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan is truly an advocate for biofuels. While in office, Dorgan authored the first renewable fuel bill, requiring 8 billion gallons of biofuels. When President Bush took office, he asked Dorgan to help write the bill that today is the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Dorgan gave an inspiring and funny presentation during the National Biodiesel … Read More

On stage during the general session at this year’s conference was Kenlon Johannes, CEO, Kansas Soybean Commission. Kenlon reminisced about the start of the National Biodiesel Board and conference. Kenlon says it has been an interesting 20 years and 10 years. He says there were only a few involved at the start with most of the action happening in Missouri. … Read More

The Eye on Biodiesel Award winner for Innovation this year is Leon Schumacher. Leon Schumacher, University of Missouri, is one of the first researchers to jump into biodiesel with both feet was Leon Schumacher, a professor of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Missouri – Columbia. Dr. Schumacher led the first engine tests of biodiesel in the U.S. including a … Read More

For the past two years, Gary Haer has held three jobs: Chair of the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Renewable Energy Group (REG), the largest producer of biodiesel in the U.S. and soybean producer – he farms on his family farm in Northwest Missouri. During his presentation during the second day of the … Read More

If you are looking for a little inspiration for biodiesel, look no further than Las Vegas, or now the city I have renamed Las BioVegas. A community group of innovators, known as the Las Vegas Biodiesel User Group, became early adopters of the fuel blend and were awarded the Eye on Biodiesel: Inspiration award during the 10th Annual National Biodiesel … Read More

More biodiesel please. If you can find more biodiesel it was definitely at the 10th Annual National Biodiesel Conference in Las Vegas. Ok, so even though you were’t exactly taking home barrels of biodiesel, you could win $1,000 in free biodiesel as part of the More B for Me campaign. I got the scoop from Alicia Clancy who is the … Read More

The 10th Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference: Momentum, kicked off with a bang this morning in Las Vegas as the organization celebrated 20 years. The session focused on the both the history and future of biodiesel and included the announcement of several “Eye on Biodiesel” awards. The winner of the “Influencer” category was the United Soybean Board (USB) who helped … Read More

The opening general session of this year’s conference was a fantastic look back at 20 years of the National Biodiesel Board and 10 years of this conference. We’ll be sharing some of those moments during the next couple days as we make new memories. Here are some excerpts from this morning’s opening speech by Joe Jobe, CEO of the NBB. … Read More