Farm show’s 2033 fueling station gives a glimpse of the future
Tuesday, August 28, 2007 11:53 PM CDT
DECATUR — Biofuels have once again taken center stage at this year’s Farm Progress Show.
Many exhibitors are hoping visitors will take the time to learn more about alternative fuels. Among the popular exhibits at last year’s show in Amana, Iowa, was one containing a model 1933 ethanol fueling station.
Tad Whitten of Motor Sports Management Inc., who designed the exhibit, and his crew have added a futuristic 2033 fueling station for this year’s show.
“We wanted people to understand renewable fuels are not brand new,” Whitten said. “Henry Ford built the first Model T 100 years ago, and the car ran on biofuel. Now we’re going back to vegetable oil fuel.”
The 2033 fueling station allows would-be consumers to fill up their cars with hydrogen, electric, biofuels or fossil fuels using a self-powered unit with a solar power collector on top. During a skit, a customer purchases a 2033 version of Mountain Dew and candy bar in addition to filling up their car.
Skits will run at either the old or new fueling station every half hour during the show, located near Richland Community College, Whitten said.
“Biofuels aren’t as efficient right now as some people would like, but right now the agricultural industry is working to find the best crops to convert into fuel,” Whitten said. “Americans have an energy problem. We have to be patient, but a lot of times we aren’t patient.”
Whitten hopes visitors will take the time to learn the facts about not just biofuels but all forms of alternative energy, including ones that could power their next car.
The exhibit features vehicles, including a Pepsi truck and state construction pickups, which run on biofuels and are examples of how Whitten said biofuels are being used today.
Other exhibitors, including the Illinois Corn Growers Association, also are emphasizing ethanol during the show, which concludes Thursday. The corn growers have race cars on display that run on the E-85 ethanol blend.
“Ethanol has been very dependable,” said Mark Lambert, a spokesman for the corn growers. “Based on projections and the potential growth out there, I think ethanol is going to be growing for sometime to come.”
Farm technology companies, such as seed company Monsanto, are looking to have their products developed into ethanol.
“Ethanol is high on our radar screen,” said Chris Peterson, coordinator of Monsanto’s planning for the show. “Ethanol is going to continue to be a force. It will be important to pay attention to.”
Two days left
What: Farm Progress Show
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday
Where: Near Decatur’s Richland Community College. Take U.S. 51 south to Interstate 72 East. Take Exit 144 off I-72 to Brush College Road.
Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for students, free for ages 12 and younger
What to see: Product exhibits, field demonstrations, seminars, country show and more.
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