Written by Jonathan Eisenthal

To raise awareness about Unleaded 88 and flex fuels, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and county corn grower associations are holding fuel promotion events across the state this month.

Unleaded 88 is a fuel containing up to 15% ethanol. It’s found at over 400 Minnesota fueling stations, typically costs less than regular unleaded, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by about 2.5%, according to the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). A list of automakers that approve Unleaded 88 use can be found here.

Flex fuels have between 15% and 85% ethanol and can only be used in flex fuel vehicles. E85, which contains up to 85% ethanol, is the most popular flex fuel and is found at over 460 Minnesota stations. It’s significantly cheaper than regular unleaded and reduces emissions by more than 30%, according to the RFA.

Some automakers signify whether a vehicle can use flex fuels with an exterior badge or with a yellow gas cap. Check your owner’s manual to ensure your vehicle is compatible with flex fuels.

During fuel events, fuel stations will offer Unleaded 88 and flex fuels at a discount beyond their usual lower prices. Representatives of MCGA and county grower associations will answer drivers’ questions about these fuels.

Promoting Unleaded 88 is a big focus for a lot of county corn grower associations, said Kennedy Janssen, MCGA’s district field manager (DFM) for central Minnesota.

“High gas prices have really shifted people over to biofuels, and especially Unleaded 88,” said Tanner Sanborn, MCGA’s DFM for southeastern Minnesota. “You get somebody to run it through their car four or five tanks and no issues, then they’ll never go back.”

Sanborn said he was impressed by the consumer loyalty to Unleaded 88 that he witnessed at a recent fuel promotion event in Lakeville.

Leaders from Dakota/Rice County Corn and Soybean Growers Association staffed the event and spoke to everyone they could, thanking them for trying ethanol and emphasizing how it helps local farmers.

“People are protective of their vehicles, which is very understandable,” Janssen said. “Once you have had a chance to talk to them about how Unleaded 88 is better for the planet, better for your wallet, and is supporting corn farmers in Minnesota — it is fun to see their thinking change.”

If you go:

Upcoming fuel promotion events:

September 12 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Coborn’s/Little Dukes Glencoe 2211 11th St E, Glencoe, MN

Event hosted by the McLeod County Corn and Soybean Growers Association

September 15 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Faribault Cenex 28 Division St W, Faribault, MN

Event hosted by the Dakota/Rice County Corn and Soybean Growers Association

September 20 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Kwik Trip #179 4600 Slater Road, Eagan, Minnesota

September 21 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Kwik Trip #1017 617 Buchanan Street, Anoka, Minnesota

September 22 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Kwik Trip #477 8800 State Highway 7, St. Bonifacius, Minnesota

September 27 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Kwik Trip #1014 12260 Fraizer Street NE, Blaine, MN

September 28 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Kwik Trip #1169 2275 Anchor Drive, North St. Paul, MN

September 29 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Kwik Trip #1078 8513 5th Street N, Lake Elmo, MN