In preparation for the 2013 Iowa State Fair, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association today announced the start of a billboard campaign aimed at increasing the use of biodiesel in Iowa, particularly on Iowa farms.

The IRFA is delivering the biodiesel message on 12 billboards throughout the Des Moines area, focused on routes to the state fairgrounds. The campaign urges the public to increase its use of biodiesel, and encourages farmers to enter for a chance to win $1,000 in biodiesel at www.MoreBforMe.com.

“Iowans greatly benefit from increased biodiesel production and use, especially Iowa’s farmers,” stated IRFA Communications Director T.J. Page. “Biodiesel production boosts an Iowa farmer’s bottom line by increasing the value of soybeans and animal fats, while decreasing the costs of animal feed.”

A study by Cardno ENTRIX Economist John Urbanchuk found that biodiesel production taking into account both production costs and revenue, an Iowa farmer raising crops and cattle would see nearly a 17 percent increase in net income, while an Iowa farmer raising crops and hogs would see nearly a 20 percent increase in net income. “The bottom line is that biodiesel has a net positive impact on finishing hogs and cattle in Iowa,” stated Urbanchuk.

For the entire Cardno ENTRIX study, please click here.

“The More B for Me coalition is running a giveaway through September that will award $1,000 in biodiesel to an Iowa farmer, usable on blends of B5 or higher,” stated Page. “Farmers can sign up at www.MoreBforMe.com or by visiting the Renewable Energy Group booth at WHO Radio’s Crystal Studios at the Iowa State Fair.”

The More B for Me campaign is aimed at increasing the use of biodiesel in the state of Iowa. This coalition is made up of the IRFA, Renewable Energy Group, Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Biodiesel Board.

Iowa is the leader in renewable fuels production. Iowa has 12 biodiesel facilities with the capacity to produce nearly 315 million gallons annually. In addition, Iowa has 41 ethanol refineries capable of producing over 3.7 billion gallons annually, with one wet mill and three cellulosic ethanol facilities currently under construction.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association was formed in 2002 to represent the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry. The trade group fosters the development and growth of the renewable fuels industry in Iowa through education, promotion, legislation and infrastructure development.