Bondurant-Farrar Community
School District

"Our school district believes in supporting the industry that feeds us," says Dennis Moore, Bondurant-Farrar Community School District.  "And, because this is a farming community, using soy-based biodiesel in our buses is a way we can give back."

The school district started using soy-based biodiesel in the spring of 2000 after Moore was approached by Norm Cummings, Diamond Oil Company.  Currently, the district uses approximately 1,660 gallons of the fuel a month.

"I've had great luck with biodiesel," says Moore.  "I especially see a difference in the older buses.  There is a lot less black smoke, and they seem to get better gas mileage."

Moore says he has been purchasing the soy-based biodiesel a couple of cents cheaper than the regular #2 diesel he's previously used; but, as long as the soy-based biodiesel remains cost competitive, he will continue using it.

Currently, Moore purchases the fuel with a 4.3 percent soy-to-diesel ratio, but would like to experiment with a higher ratio.

"Soy-based biodiesel is a good product, and it's good for our school district."

(Article and picture courtesy of the Iowa Soybean Association)