Weather Adds to Issues Facing Some Biodiesel Producers

Rising feedstock costs have been a problem affecting biodiesel margins over the past several weeks, putting a damper on production following record high output recorded by the EPA for the December.  However, margins are not the only problem in some areas.

Extreme cold has caused at least one plant to temporarily idle.  Hero BX had to slow operations due to extremely cold temperatures affecting their Clinton Iowa plant.  Over the past couple of days, temperatures have fallen to negative 14 degrees with wind chills down to negative 28.

The temporarily idling of the plant has led to some rumors about the plant closing for a more extended period.  The Jacobsen reached out to Hero BX for comment and President Chris Petersen was happy to put the rumors to rest.

According to Chris, the plant in Clinton is currently idled but it is strictly weather…