Local FFA first chapter in nation to create biodiesel, Alexander Says Tennessee Could Be Major Biodiesel Hub

Local FFA first chapter in nation to create biodiesel
Stuttgart Daily Leader - Stuttgart,AR,USA
... it to the classroom. He and his students have recently produced 25 gallons of biodiesel, right in the school's lab. "We are the ...

Lately, the importance of biofuels has been the key word from the president's mouth to the Grand Prairie's coffee shop discussions. Barry Rogers, FFA teacher at Stuttgart High School, decided to bring it to the classroom.

He and his students have recently produced 25 gallons of biodiesel, right in the school's lab.

"We are the first FFA chapter in the nation to do this," Rogers said. "Everyone has been real impressed that high school students are producing biofuel."

For the past six months, Rogers and his students have been carefully planning their project and raising money to buy the necessary equipment.

"It took us five months to raise $4,500 so that we could get started," he said. "Our sponsors made it happen. Without them, we would not be here discussing this."

Several companies sponsored the project, including the Riceland Foundation, Lahaun Farms, Delta King, Midland Rice, UAP, Prairie Implement, and Farm Credit Services.

"The Rotarian guys donate the fish fry oil we use to make the biodiesel," Rogers said.

Collin McDougal, an FFA student, said that the project has been more than just educational.

"It makes you think about our future," he said. "If we could get the biodiesel blend up to 50 percent, we would greatly reduce our need for foreign oil."

The students purchased the equipment from C&E Biodiesel Company, which offered a deep discount.

He explained that the project started with the business and marketing students making a business plan.

"We just went from there," he said. "It has been real neat watching them do this. I'm proud of them."

The students and Rogers hope to take the entire project to the National Convention.

"We can take it, if we can find an enclosed trailer to haul it in." Rogers said.

The biodiesel that the students produced is being used to fuel the FFA tractor, which normally runs on regular diesel.

"We've discussed using the biodiesel in the school buses too," Rogers said.

The students have created a website at http://www.ffabiodiesel.com. The site provides links to all of the sponsors and more information on the progress of the project.

 

Alexander Says Tennessee Could Be Major Biodiesel Hub
WVLT - Knoxville,TN,USA
Nashville (AP) - US Senator Lamar Alexander said Monday that Tennessee has a chance at becoming a major biodiesel hub. He cited ...
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 Nashville (AP) - US Senator Lamar Alexander said Monday that Tennessee has a chance at becoming a major biodiesel hub.

He cited the state's interstate highway system and ample land for increased soybean farming.

Alexander held a roundtable discussion on biodiesel with representatives from soybean producers, clean energy organizations, fuel providers and auto mechanics at the Nashville Auto Diesel College.

Biodiesel is a fuel blend that combines petroleum diesel with organic fuels from crops like soybeans.

Alexander said he wanted to gather information on biodiesel production in Tennessee to present to the Senate when he returns to Washington for hearings this week on alternative energy solutions.

Currently there are 50 locations in the state where consumers can purchase biodiesel.