Bio-diesel Interest Revs Up Farmers' Economic Engines

Bio-diesel Interest Helps N.C. Grain Farmers
Gas prices have been rising of late, and the resulting interest in non-traditional energy is a win-win for North Carolina farmers.

It wasn't long ago that you'd never hear anyone mention bio-diesel, or any other alternative fuel, down on the farm. That's changing in a big way nationwide, and it’s changed in Wilson County at Rock Ridge Farms.

“It means less dependence on foreign oil. It's an energy source we can grow right here. It's a renewable source. It's good for the environment, good for the economy, good for farmers,” says farmer Michael Boyette.

In some cases, it means crops are bringing twice the price they did a year ago because alternative fuel manufacturers need massive amounts of corn and soybeans.

One year ago, North Carolina farmers were getting $1.80 a bushel for corn. It now goes for $4 a bushel. Soybeans last year were at $5 a bushel. This year, it’s just over $8.

Sam Brake of Grain Growers Cooperative represents 250 North Carolina grain growers. He travels the circuit, doing a demonstration of how they can turn crops to cash by helping in the production of an amber liquid that fuels vehicles and smells like vegetable bio-diesel.

A lot of North Carolina farmers are way ahead of the curve on alternative fuel use. At Rock Ridge Farms, the fertilizer truck, the sprayer and the combine all run on bio-diesel.


9 Comments


Golo

Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.

You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.

View Comments View Comments

Ask Anything
  1. Amanda Lamb
    10 questions with Crime Reporter Amanda Lamb

    WRAL Crime Reporter Amanda Lamb answers your questions about crime scenes, murder cases and much more.

  2. Eleanor Goettee
    10 questions with Wake school board member

    Eleanor Goettee answers your questions about teacher pay, year-round schools ...

  3. Steve Cohen
    10 questions with Cary EMS Chief Steve Cohen

    Steve Cohen answers your questions about saving lives and what to do in emergency situations.

Multimedia
  1. Hanna Tracking
    Tracking Hanna

    Meteorologists have been tracking Hanna, which has been a tropical storm and a hurricane.

  2. Gustav: Path of destruction
    Gustav: The path of destruction

    View Hurricane Gustav's path of destruction.

  3. Gustav-Katrina Timeline
    Gustav-Katrina Comparison

    See a timeline comparing the two hurricanes.

  4. Drought Map
    N.C. Drought Maps Time Lapse Animation

    View a time lapse animation of drought conditions since April of 2007.

  5. Raleigh Convention Center Interactive
    Raleigh Convention Center Interactive

    The Grand Opening of the new Raleigh Convention Center is Sept. 5 and 6.