By BELINDA PUETZ
CountryMark

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — This year at the Indiana State Fair, when you ride one of those tractor shuttles that circle the fairgrounds throughout the day, you’ll be doing more than just giving yourself a break - you’ll be doing something good for the environment, good for Indiana agriculture, and good for America."

“Powered by biodiesel blended fuel, these tractors will run cleaner with fewer harmful emissions. This is a great fuel for air quality. Biodiesel blended fuel will help keep the Indiana State Fair looking great and help fairgoers breathe easier as well,” said CountryMark Sales Manager Steve Thomas.

The biodiesel blend is being donated by CountryMark and delivered by Co-Alliance. The biodiesel is derived from agricultural feedstocks. The petroleum portion of the fuel was refined by CountryMark in Mt. Vernon, Ind., using 100 percent American crude oil.

“We also want people to know that we’re doing our part to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” said Thomas. “We’re an Indiana-based company that uses 100 percent American crude oil, refined right here in the state. It’s a great match for American-made biodiesel.”

In addition, CountryMark is a major partner of the Fifth annual Farm World Expo in Lebanon, Ind. as the sponsor of Renewable Fuels Day on Saturday, Sept. 6.

The Expo, Sept. 4-6, will be at the Boone County Fairgrounds. For addition details on the farm show, visit www.farmworldexpo.com
Another great match is a drive-thru that offers food and fuel. State Fairgoers can get just that when they come in for the World’s Largest Drive-Thru Breakfast on Friday, Aug. 8 from 6-8 a.m. For just $3 fairgoers will receive a warm breakfast to go and a gallon of E10 compliments of CountryMark.

“We feel so confident of ethanol-blended fuels that we want people to try it,” said Thomas. Ethanol is made from corn, burns cleaner with fewer emissions than regular gasoline, and also helps to reduce our dependence on imported oil.

Thomas stated that despite all the ethanol plants that have sprung up in the state the past couple of years, many people still don’t understand ethanol.

“Last year when we gave away free gallons of E10, many people still didn’t realize that they could actually use it in their vehicles with no modifications,” stated Thomas. “A lot of people get E10 confused with E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline), which can only be used in a flex-fuel vehicle. Many oil companies currently use an E10 blend, and most people have already used E10 without even knowing it.”

“While we’re putting a gallon of E10 in the vehicle, it gives us a chance to talk with the public about the advantages of using ethanol-blended fuels,” said Thomas. “It’s the only drive-thru that we know of that offers breakfast for you and your vehicle!”
Pumping the E10 will be employees and volunteers of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the Indiana Corn Growers Assoc., Co-Alliance and CountryMark. Ethanol literature will also be distributed.

On Farmer’s Day, Wednesday August 13, CountryMark will again be talking with fairgoers about the advantages of using biofuels. On that day, the company will sponsor an exhibit in front of the Home and Family Arts Building, where representatives will be available to provide information and answer questions about biodiesel and ethanol-blended fuels.

“We’re passionate about American fuels and biofuels and what they can do for Indiana and the nation,” said Thomas. “The Indiana State Fair is a great opportunity to share that message.”