Local growers celebrate Independent Oil anniversary and biodiesel impact
Giving back to the community is a top priority for the Yellow Medicine County Corn and Soybean Growers Association. On October 17, growers participated in a fueling event at Independent Oil Company in Canby, marking the company’s 90 years of service.
The event combined celebration with education, showcasing the important role of biodiesel in local communities and across Minnesota. “We thought it was a good time to promote the biodiesel industry and bring support to the soybean industry,” said Board Director Steve Brusven, who represents Yellow Medicine County on the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. “The event was received very well by the community, and it was a great way to celebrate the anniversary.”
Minnesota leads the nation with its biodiesel standards, requiring a B20 blend in summer and B5 in winter. Advocacy from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and investments from the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council have strengthened the state’s biofuels industry. These efforts contribute nearly $1.7 billion to Minnesota’s economy and increase soybean demand by 13 percent. Using biodiesel blends removes emissions equivalent to nearly a quarter-million vehicles annually.
“If it wasn’t for the Minnesota checkoff, we wouldn’t have a biofuels industry,” said Gene Stoel, Minnesota farmer and United Soybean Board Director. “Minnesota soybean farmers were the ones who proved biodiesel works.
To engage the public, the growers offered a 20-cent-per-gallon discount and shared information on biodiesel benefits. “We wanted to get our names and voices out there to show that we are doing something as soybean producers and as a soybean board, as well as to show our presence in the community,” said Brusven.
The event successfully celebrated Independent Oil’s legacy while emphasizing biodiesel’s positive environmental and economic effects in Minnesota and beyond.