Fueling South Dakota
How Biodiesel and Renewable Diesel Drive Growth Across Our State
Fuel up using biodiesel or renewable diesel for farm machinery, transportation fleets and personal vehicles with diesel engines. Choosing these biofuels made from renewable resources grown right here in South Dakota helps support strong markets for farmers, creates additional jobs in key industries and keeps more economic value in our state.
"Biodiesel can be cost-effective as a drop-in replacement fuel for diesel. For rural America, it's a no-brainer. You're paying yourself back."
Bruce Vollan | Owner Vollan Oil
Biofuels Are Important to South Dakota's Future
South Dakota consistently ranks among the top ten soybean-producing states in the U.S., and our in-state soybean processing capacity is currently estimated at 120 million bushels per year. Increased adoption of soy-based biofuels positions our state's economy for a brighter future. It also lessens our dependence on foreign petroleum sources and reduces our overall environmental impact.
"If we can increase the demand for soybeans, we're going to increase the price. Our farmers need to go to fuel suppliers and say, 'If you put biodiesel in, I will buy from you.'"
Bruce Haines | District 1 Director
South Dakota Soybean
Research & Promotion Council
"Fleets are looking for ways to decarbonize, and biodiesel is the easiest thing that they can do to reduce their carbon intensity. It's a drop-in fuel up to B20 and it's very flexible."
Lisa Pedderson | President
MEG Corp
Where to Find Biofuels
At South Dakota Soybean, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to choose biofuels. Use our biodiesel and renewable diesel locator to find fueling stations near you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Both are made from renewable feedstocks like soybean oil, animal fats and recycled cooking oils. Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification and is typically blended with petroleum diesel (like B20), while renewable diesel is produced through hydrotreating and is chemically identical to petroleum diesel, allowing it to be used as a 100% drop-in replacement.
Biofuels create new markets for agricultural products, including soybeans, providing farmers with price stability and additional revenue streams. Domestic production of these fuels also keeps energy dollars in local communities, increases access to soybean meal for livestock production and creates manufacturing and distribution jobs across rural America.
Biodiesel and renewable diesel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 50-80% compared to petroleum diesel, while also cutting particulate matter, carbon monoxide and other harmful pollutants.
Yes. Renewable diesel is considered a drop-in fuel that works in any diesel engine without modifications, and most diesel engines can run on biodiesel blends up to B20 (20% biodiesel) without any changes. Always check your owner's manual, but these fuels are compatible with modern diesel engines and won't void most manufacturers' warranties.
Prices vary by region and blend level but are often competitive with petroleum diesel, especially when considering potential tax incentives and the long-term environmental savings.
Biofuel availability is growing rapidly — you can find biodiesel and renewable diesel at an increasing number of fuel stations, farm co-ops and bulk fuel suppliers nationwide, with locator tools available online to find stations near you.
