Indiana's Corn and Soybean Harvest - A Biofuel Revolution

By Andi Anderson

Indiana's Department of Agriculture reveals that a significant portion of the state's corn and soybean harvests are utilized in the production of ethanol and biodiesel, essential components of the biofuel industry. Additionally, these versatile crops contribute to various household items, including carpet manufacturing.

In the past, Indiana has annually produced approximately 324 million bushels of soybeans. The Hoosier State is a robust player in the agricultural arena, with farmers planting over 5.9 million acres of soybeans in 2018.

Soybeans, along with fats and greases, are the primary ingredients for biodiesel production in Indiana. The state boasts five biodiesel plants, churning out an impressive 1.2 billion gallons of biodiesel each year. Biodiesel is renowned for being a cleaner-burning renewable fuel suitable for most diesel engines, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 86%.

Corn, on the other hand, plays a pivotal role in ethanol production. This alcohol, derived from corn starches and sugars, is frequently blended with gasoline to create fuel options like E10, E15, and E85. In 2021, Indiana produced 1.03 billion bushels of corn, with 14 ethanol plants within the state leading the conversion into fuel.

The benefits of ethanol are manifold. It's a cleaner and cooler-burning fuel, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 57%. If every consumer switched to E15 fuel, it could eliminate 8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, ethanol promotes U.S. energy independence by reducing reliance on foreign oil imports.

Notably, ethanol plays a significant role in Indiana's rich racing history. NASCAR's stock cars use E15 blends, while Indy cars run on E85.

Indiana has emerged as a major player in both ethanol and biodiesel production, ranking fifth and sixth in the nation, respectively. By transforming corn and soybeans into biofuels, Indiana fuels cars, bolsters the environment, and supports a diverse range of industries.

Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic