Big Time Grain Co., fronted by brothers Bret and Chad Bourquin, will bring their rural roots to stages across the Midwest, advancing biodiesel awareness and highlighting Iowa farmers on their summer 2023 Farm Fuel Tour. (Photo: Susan Langman/Iowa Soybean Association)
Big Time Grain Co. Farm Fuel Tour Powered by Iowa Soybean Farmers and Biodiesel
June 29, 2023 | Brock Johnston
Ankeny, Iowa — The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), powered by the soybean checkoff, joins as the exclusive biodiesel partner of the band Big Time Grain Co. Clean-burning biodiesel made from soybeans grown by Iowa farmers will power the group’s summer “Farm Fuel Tour” across the state and beyond.
Big Time Grain Co. is fronted by brothers Bret and Chad Bourquin. Raised on a Kansas farm, agriculture, guitars, banjos, mandolins and fiddles have been a part of their lives from an early age. The duo will bring their rural roots to stages across the Midwest, advancing biodiesel awareness and highlighting the Iowa farmers who make the sustainable fuel a reality. A biodiesel-powered van will transport the band in style and is expected to log over 15,000 tour miles.
“We are honored and hugely grateful to be partnering with the Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa’s soybean farmers again this year on our Farm Fuel Tour,” said Chad Bourquin, lead guitarist and vocalist. “Combining great music with promoting clean burning, homegrown biodiesel benefiting farmers and the communities in which we perform just makes us smile.”
Iowa leads the nation in biodiesel production, with the state’s 11 biodiesel plants producing 349 million gallons in 2022. As the most sustainable liquid fuel available, biodiesel can make immediate strides in reducing carbon emitted from vehicles, equipment and more. On average, biodiesel and renewable diesel reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70% when compared to petroleum-based diesel.
Dave Walton, an ISA and Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB) director and soybean farmer from Wilton, says Iowa’s solution to the national call for sustainable energy security is biodiesel.
“Through this partnership, Big Time Grain Co. is helping to elevate the voices of Iowa soybean growers and promote the use of cleaner-burning fuels as the nation’s energy values continue to change," said Walton. “To continue increasing the demand for homegrown soy and keep Iowa’s 40,000 soybean farmers in a position to succeed, expanding the use of biodiesel is essential."
By increasing soybean oil value, biodiesel supports 13% of the price per bushel of soybeans; equated to $1.78 per bushel in 2021. It also lowers the price of soybean meal, a key ingredient for livestock producers and the food supply.
For tour information and Big Time Grain Co. music samples, visit bigtimegrain.com.
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Funded by the soybean checkoff
The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 37,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.
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