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Growing biodiesel production facilities return value to farmers 

Biodiesel-production facilities like Western Iowa Energy are benefiting soybean growers and livestock producers.

Board Member Kevin Ross says Western Iowa Energy can turn multiple feedstocks into biodiesel.

“It’s a great opportunity for soybean oil and we process animal fats as well so we’ve been a multi-feedstock facility for several years,” he says.

The facility produces 45 million gallons annually.

He tells Brownfield growth in the industry returns value to producers.

“On the animal fat side, we run a lot of choice white grease, so adding value to the hog industry as well as beef tallow, benefiting the beef industry,” he says. “Between adding value to the soybean, seeing record values for animals fats, and corn oil or soybean oil, they’re levels that when we started this plant were unheard of. Levels when we started the plant were 13-19 cents per pound and now they’re 60-80 cents per pound. It’s pretty amazing the difference of what I think is very clearly added value to the farmer.

Ross also has a cow/calf operation and grows corn, soybeans, and hay in Minden, Iowa.