Ag Headlines, Thursday March 24, 2016

Farm news for Thursday March 24, 2016 include Biodiesel taking top honors and Runoff in Lake Erie

Biodiesel Ranks First Among Fleets for Alt Fuel Use

A new study shows the number one alternate fuel among fleet vehicles is biodiesel. The National Biodiesel Board says the study by The Association for the Work Truck Industry shows biodiesel is now the most commonly used alternative fuel option on the market. Survey data shows 18 percent of fleets use biodiesel, up from 15 percent in 2015. The survey was conducted in December and results were released this month. The results find that regarding future alternative fuel interest, biodiesel also takes top honors, with more fleets planning to acquire or continue using biodiesel than any other alternative fuel option.

Lake Erie Runoff Plan a Challenge to Agriculture

Michigan State University says meeting the targets for reducing phosphorus in Lake Erie will be a challenge, but adds the targets are achievable. Last month, the U.S. and Canadian governments called for a 40 percent reduction, from 2008 levels, in phosphorus runoff from farms and other sources into Lake Erie. The University says large-scale changes to agricultural practices will be required to meet the goal. The nutrient feeds an oxygen-depleted "dead zone" in the lake and has also contaminated drinking water in the past. A new study by the University says that meeting the 40 percent reduction target will require widespread use of strong fertilizer management practices, significant conversion of cropland to grassland and more targeted conservation efforts.

Study link: http://graham.umich.edu/water/project/erie-western-basin

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