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Biofuels a positive for farmers in ag issue conversations

An Illinois farmer says the production and use of biofuels sheds a positive light on farmers in conversations on climate change and locally grown products.

Elliott Uphoff grows corn and soybeans near Shelbyville in central Illinois. He tells Brownfield  biodiesel from soybeans and ethanol from corn should be recognized as renewable energy sources.

“They burn cleaner than petroleum-based fuels. So, we are promoting them to clean up the air for a better environment. It is moving the needle on the whole climate change issue and trying to reduce that carbon footprint.”

He says biofuels also fit into the conversation of sourcing more locally grown products.

“A lot of people don’t realize what all the crops in the fields are grown for. People love to have locally grown foods; well we do have locally grown fuel that they are using in their cars too.”

Uphoff was featured in an Illinois farm families promotion video showing how he raises soybeans that are converted to biodiesel and then used to fuel the equipment on his farm to complete the renewable energy circle.