The Web and more

By Edgar Olson
Executive Director

These days, you can’t turn on the television without seeing an ad that includes a Web site. Even smaller companies are branching out and capitalizing on the Internet and e-commerce to reach customers. In this issue of Ag Innovation News, we’ve taken a look at e-commerce to see if it’s a good choice for startup Minnesota companies. Plus, we’ll show you where to find AURI clients on the Web, and introduce you to some other ag-based sites.

Research is underway on an innovative new use for Minnesota-grown wool. Believe it or not, it involves fruits and vegetables. Wool may be a viable mulch for crops like apples and strawberries.

Once in a while we read articles we can’t keep to ourselves. A story from the Manitoba Co-operator caught our eye, and it’s reprinted on page 10. In it, you’ll find insights from the chief officer of a new-generation cooperative on how to compete with the “big boys” in the value-added market.

AURI is also helping a number of Minnesota businesses add value to resources that are often thrown away. We’ve reported on several projects utilizing crop residue and food processing waste. These products may be key in providing additional sources of revenue to processing ventures.

One page 11, there’s an update on irradiating fresh meat to destroy dangerous pathogens, a new technology heralded by the Minnesota Beef Council as the best thing since pasteurized milk. A Minnesota company, Huisken Meats of Chandler, is leading the nation as the first processor to distribute irradiated meats.

As always, it’s our pleasure to showcase some of the newest value-added ideas in Minnesota agriculture. Enjoy.