Research is a vital part of AURI--it says so right in our name. We work with businesses, entrepreneurs and cooperatives to help develop new products and processes that create new uses for Minnesota ag commodities. Through applied research and technology transfer, AURI helps to bring new concepts forward.

While much of the work we do for businesses is confidential and proprietary, some results in information that is of interest to a wide audience. Information on growing hybrid poplars, what's new with biodiesel and how to determine if an on-farm manure digester is right for you are just several topics you can learn more about. To access these topics, click on the appropriate line below.

 An Analysis of Expanding Renewable Energy Markets in Minnesota Implications for Rural Economic Development
Published: 7-19-2010
In 2007, the State Legislature and Governor enacted legislation to put Minnesota on a path to have 25 of its energy produced from renewable sources by the year 2025. Minnesota statute also sets a goal of increasing the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline to 20 percent by 2...

 Corn Cobs as Sustainable Biomass for Renewable Energy, A Field-to-Facility Demonstration and Feasibility Study
Published: 10-30-2009
The corn cob field-to-facility project is a success in that it has demonstrated and documented the viability of corn cobs as a sustainable source of biomass for renewable energy. The corn cob demonstration has also served as a spring board toward the continuing effort to utilize...

 Biomass Densification Evaluation Report
Published: 7-13-2009
This project looks at different densification technologies throughout the world to bring the most economical and efficient technology to Minnesota. Biomass densification is one of the largest obstacles facing biomass utilization. Densification can aid in 1) reduced cost and i...

 Aitkin County Biomass Utilization Report
Published: 6-1-2009
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), in conjunction with the Center for Producer Owned Energy, Aitkin County Land Department, and the Aitkin County Economic Development/Forest Industry Coordinator, is exploring the opportunity to utilize biomass resources av...

 AURI Fuels Initiative
Published: 5-1-2009
The AURI Fuels Initiative is available online and in the Portable Document Format (PDF). To view and print the PDF version you need the free Adobe® Acrobat® Reader software.

 Template for Estimating County Level Energy Use and Renewable Energy Potential
Published: 4-13-2009
Welcome to the AURI renewable energy template. This document contains instructions and data for estimating the renewable energy potential and energy demand for a county or region. The primary intent of the template is to provide a “how to” manual for inventorying biomass resour...

 Small-Scale Ethanol Feasibility Study
Published: 4-9-2009
Interest in developing biofuels from renewable ingredients, including agricultural products, remains strong. While many developments that are occurring are larger scale, opportunities may not be limited to large operations. This analysis gives the outlook for small scale ethanol ...

 Biofuels Needs Assessment
Published: 9-1-2008
Among the key issues facing further development of renewable energy in Minnesota is the availability of trained, qualified employees. A Biofuels Needs Assessment was conducted to determine needs and opportunities in talent development. A full report was developed in 2007. Not ...

 Community Wind Study
Published: 1-1-2008
Wind farms are springing up throughout Minnesota as efforts are made to capture the energy of the wind. While some of these farms and turbines are owned by utilities, there is growing interest among farmers and others in rural areas in community ownership. Local ownership tends ...

 AURI Biomass Pellet Plant Feasibility Guide
Published: 11-1-2007
Trying to enter the market with ag-based biomass pellets isn’t for the uninformed. An AURI-sponsored evaluation examined the challenges and competitive disadvantages that entrepreneurs and new businesses marketing ag-based biomass pellets could face. AURI has seen a great deal...

 Glycerin
Published: 4-13-2007
As the biodiesel industry grows, so does the nation’s supply of glycerin. Refined glycerin is used in thousands of products from food to toothpaste to personal care products. Most biodiesel refineries are not equipped to purify the crude glycerin generated by the biodiesel manuf...

 Biomass Burner Initiative
Published: 3-15-2007
The increased cost of petroleum-based energy is leading many Minnesotans to seek alternative fuel sources that will serve their heat and energy needs economically, while reducing negative impacts on the environment. One increasingly important alternative fuel is biomass. Corn, ...

 Biodiesel Report
Published: 11-1-2006
Minnesota has a growing biodiesel industry, highlighted by several producer-owned plants and more than 60 million gallons of annual production capacity. While the industry is in a growing phase, that growth needs to be controlled. An AURI-sponsored report focuses on the current ...

 Development and Utilization of Agricultural Co-Products Program
Published: 1-1-1996
AURI Development and Utilization of Agricultural Co-Products Program seek utilization ideas for plant and animal by/co-products that present environmental and economic opportunities. The development of value-added agricultural products include - fertilizers - sorbents - re...

 Natural & Organic Meat Processing Guide
Published: 9-7-2011
Over the past 10-15 years the food industry has seen a push from consumers for products that are more “label friendly” or minimally processed. Often times this means developing products with as few added ingredients as possible. However, one of the biggest challenges to meat p...

 Local Foods Market Report
Published: 6-1-2009
There is growing interest among consumers in knowing the origins of the food they eat. This is also creating opportunities for producers. A market study sponsored by AURI and the Minnesota Farmers Union examines what opportunities exist.

 AURI Meat Lab Brochure
Published: 1-1-2006
Businesses today face no shortage of challenges or competition. That holds true for Minnesota’s meat industry. Low prices and a constantly changing marketplace lead to an uncertain future for many businesses. The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is here to ...

 Meat Industry Impact Study
Published: 1-1-2002
The purpose of this study is to estimate the economic impact of meat/milk processing plants to the state’s economy and community vitality. This study will utilize a regional input-output model (IMPLAN) to estimate the output and employment impacts on all production and support...

 Multi Species Report
Published: 1-1-2002
In an effort to reach possible new markets, interest in producing alternative livestock has grown among Minnesota producers. For many of these species, little information exists. AURI has commissioned a study which focuses on the current and future potential of a number of alte...

 Amino Acids Brochure
Published: 1-1-1996
With the fluctuating cost of soybean meal and synthetic lysine, many producers are faced with looking for cost effective alternatives for this limiting amino acid in livestock diets. This brochure provides an easily accessible comparison list for lysine and methionine levels fo...

 Meat Goat Initiative
Published: 1-1-1996
According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Minnesota can expect one hundred and ninety thousand foreign immigrants between 1995 and 2025. During a similar period, the United States is expected to increase in population by 44 million due to foreign immigrants. This increase in...

 Shelf Stable Meats
Published: 1-1-1996
Not all meat products require refrigeration. In fact, shelf stable products offer the convenience of ready to eat items that can be stored for extended periods of time. But they must be properly prepared in order to be truly shelf stable. This brochure provides informati...

 Small Scale Meat Producers
Published: 1-1-1996
General consideration of business finance, plant personnel and marketing your product,Types of operations such as processing and slaughtering,Physical plant issues including, availability of utilities, plant layout, equipment, etc.,Energy management issues such as electric power,...

 Trans Fat Labeling
Published: 1-1-1996
The retailers are not required to file a notice with the FDA. Further, under 21 CFR 101.9(j)(18) and 21 CFR 101.36(h)(2), nutrition labeling exemptions for low-volume products apply under certain circumstances. For example, if the person claiming the exemption employs fewer tha...

 Use of manganese oxide to attenuate negative effects of high sulfur concentrations in distillers grains‐based finishing rations
Published: 1-23-2012
Use of manganese oxide to attenuate negative effects of high sulfur concentrations in distillers grains‐based finishing rations

 Barley Straw Initiative Final Report
Published: 7-20-2011
There is a demand for barley straw as an odor control mechanism however, transportation issues limit the use of it as a marketable product. The purpose of the project is to explore whether barley straw can be pelleted, and if so, develop the pelleted product in a way that preserv...

 Investigating Drying Technologies for Post-Digester Solids
Published: 4-13-2011
The purpose of this initiative is to investigate drying technologies that might make the drying process more economical, and make the use of post-digester manure solids for a fuel or fertilizer viable.

 Northwest Minnesota Methane Digester Feedstock Inventory
Published: 4-8-2011
The agriculture industry is abundant and the potential for biogas production is significant in northwest Minnesota. Biogas, or methane, is produced through a processof anaerobic digestion of biodegradable materials known as feedstocks. Common feedstocks for anaerobic digestion in...

 Crop Residue Valuation Template
Published: 10-12-2010
As interest grows in biomass to energy and other value added opportunities for Agricultural residues, AURI focused on the need to develop a useful tool to help individuals determine an accurate fertilizer replacement value for crop residue removal. The Crop Residue Valuation...

 Use of Glycerol as a Corn Replacement in Calf Starter Diets
Published: 7-21-2010
Glycerol is a sugar alcohol by-product of bio-diesel production. About 1 gallon of glycerin is produced for every 10 gallons of bio-diesel. This report looks at incorporating glycerol into diets for pre- and post weaned dairy heifer calves.

  Utilizing Ash as a Nutrient Source for Corn
Published: 2-1-2010
Land application of industrial materials and by-products has been common for decades. Recent expansion of the biofuel industry has resulted in significantly large quantities of these by-products, like dried distillers’ grains (DDG) and solubles. Utilizing these by-products is cri...

 Struvite Pilot Demonstration and the Struvite/Digester Process
Published: 1-1-2010
Phase III of Converting Thin Stillage into Renewable Energy, Renewable Fertilizer, and Recyclable Water

 Effects of Glycerol and DDGS on Finishing Pigs
Published: 11-1-2009
This report studies the effects of increasing glycerol and dried distillers grains with solubles on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs. Part of a large collaboration project involving MN Pork Board, MN Corn, and MN Soybean.

 Crude Glycerol in Sow Diets
Published: 11-1-2009
This report details results of the use of crude glycerol, a bio-diesel coproduct, in diets for lactating sows. Part of a large collaborative project involving MN Pork Board, MN Corn, and MN Soybean.

 Corn Co-Products Fed to Finishing Pigs
Published: 11-1-2009
This publication reveals results of a study pertaining to energy determination of corn co-products fed to finishing pigs and use of in vitro OM digestibility to predict in vivo ME. Part of a large collaborative project involving MN Pork Board, MN Corn, and MN Soybean.

 Evaluation of Glycerol in Pig Diets
Published: 11-1-2009
An evaluation of glycerol, a biodiesel coproduct, in grow-finish pig diets to support growth and improve pork quality. Part of a large collaboration between MN Pork Board, MN Corn, and MN Soybean.

 Effects of DDGS in diets of finishing pigs
Published: 11-1-2009
This report details the effects of DDGS source on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. Part of a collaboration between MN Pork Board, MN Corn, and MN Soybean.

 Microwave Drying of Wet Beet Pulp
Published: 4-15-2008
Microwave drying is an emerging technology that could be used as an alternative to the current method which most often uses heat from burning natural gas. Microwave energy causes the molecules of the material irradiated (referred to as the load) to vibrate more rapidly, creating ...

 DDGS (Distillers' Dried Grains with Solubles) Flowability Report
Published: 10-17-2005
This report was conducted by AURI on behalf of the MN Corn Growers Association.

 Glycerin
Published: 4-13-1997
As the biodiesel industry grows, so does the nation’s supply of glycerin. Refined glycerin is used in thousands of products from food to toothpaste to personal care products. Most biodiesel refineries are not equipped to purify the crude glycerin generated by the biodiesel manuf...

 Co-Products Brochure
Published: 1-1-1996
AURI Development and Utilization of Agricultural Co-Products Program seek utilization ideas for plant and animal by/co-products that present environmental and economic opportunities. The development of value-added agricultural products include - fertilizers - sorbents -...

 Manure Digestion System
Published: 1-1-1996
Livestock producers in Minnesota and elsewhere are seeking ways to deal with manure from their operations in a safe, efficient and sustainable way. Among the options is the use of a manure digester. This manure treatment system produces several components including bio-solids t...

 Methane Digester Basics
Published: 1-1-1996
Anaerobic digesters are not necessarily a fit for every operation. There are multiple considerations that should be addressed prior to installing these digesters.

 Media and Media Mix Evaluation for Dairy Barn Compost Bedding Systems
Published: 8-24-2011
This study evaluated alternate media as well as media mixes that could be used as bedding for compost barns. The goal is to help dairy farmers expand the number of alternative media and media combinations that could be potentially more economically used in dairy compost bedded...

 Utilizing Ash as a Nutrient Source for Corn
Published: 2-1-2010
Land application of industrial materials and by-products has been common for decades. Recent expansion of the biofuel industry has resulted in significantly large quantities of these by-products, like dried distillers’ grains (DDG) and solubles. Utilizing these by-products is cri...

 Bypass Protein Soybean Meal
Published: 9-30-2007
By the end of 2008, the National Biodiesel Board estimates the nation's biodiesel production capacity will exceed 1.3 billion gallons per year. Producing that much fuel will consume about 5.2 million tons of soybean oil roughly half of the nation's annual soybean oil production....

 Oilseed Executive Summary
Published: 10-1-2005
Minnesota farmers produce thousands of acres of oilseeds including soybeans, canola, sunflowers and more. But the amount of oilseeds processed in the state is pale in comparison to the amount of oilseeds grown in Minnesota. An AURI study examined emerging opportunities in oilseed...

 Growing Hybrid Poplars as a Crop
Published: 1-1-1997

 Local Foods Market Report
Published: 1-1-1996
There is growing interest among consumers in knowing the origins of the food they eat. This is also creating opportunities for producers. A market study sponsored by AURI and the Minnesota Farmers Union examines what opportunities exist.

 Rural Wealth Creation Conference
Published: 9-23-2011
The Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Ford Foundation are convening a National Conference and Conversation on Rural Wealth Creation and Livelihoods. The conference will bring together researchers, practitioners and policy-makers who a...

 Biobased Materials Minnesota’s Opportunity & Challenge
Published: 8-1-2011
As the interest and use of biobased products grows, so do the opportunities and challenges. According to a recent report sponsored by AURI and the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota’s fundamental strengths in agriculture, biofuels and innovation may hold...

 Great Lakes Region Food Industry Biogas Casebook
Published: 3-1-2011
Food and beverage producers have been using anaerobic treatment of their production wastewaters for decades. These systems have become increasingly popular in recent years for both economic and environmental reasons. As energy costs have risen, the reduced energy intensity of ana...

 Omega 3 Claims Guide
Published: 12-22-2010
AURI has received several requests for technical assistance related to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and the allowed health claims for products containing these important nutrients. The information in this brochure is meant to guide clients as they investigate the omega-3 and ...

 Minnesota Food Innovators Network
Published: 6-30-2010
On June 30th, the Minnesota Food Innovators Network (Mn-FIN) came together for the first time to begin a conversation about creating a network that fosters collaboration, launches innovation, and gives Minnesota businesses a competitive advantage. The framework from the event ...

 Reclaimed wastewater
Published: 3-16-2010
Reclaimed municipal wastewater may be a useful resource for agricultural processing. Reusing waste water could help save valuable water resources while benefitting agricultural processing at the same time.

 Minnesota Food Production Sector Growing Green Jobs
Published: 1-15-2010
Minnesota's food industry may provide significant opportunity for growing jobs that are considered green. This comprehensive report takes a look at where those opportunities may lie.

 Informa Corn Report
Published: 8-15-2009
A comprehensive report detailing new opportunities for corn growers in Minnesota.

 Informa Soybean Report
Published: 8-15-2009
Comprehensive report on new opportunities for soybean growers in Minnesota.

 Analytical Laboratory Services
Published: 7-1-2009
AURI operates an analytical laboratory capable of performing both instrumental and wet chemistry tests suitable for defining physical and chemical characteristics of a variety of sample types. This diverse range of analytical techniques helps AURI clients resolve quality issues, ...

 Federal Procurement Contacts
Published: 8-7-2007
Federal Procurement Contacts

 Nutritional Labeling Guidelines
Published: 2-1-2005
The purpose of the “Nutrition Facts” labeling is to help consumers choose more healthful diets, and motivate food companies to improve nutritional value of their products. Nutrition Labeling is mandatory for most foods offered for sale to consumers. The Food and Drug Administra...

 Corn Stoves
Published: 2-1-2005
Corn Stoves

 Guidelines for Selling Biobased Products to the Federal Government
Published: 1-1-1996
Guidelines for Selling Biobased Products to the Federal Government

 Labeling Guidelines
Published: 1-1-1996
Food labeling is mandated by federal and state laws to ensure accurate representation of the product. The FDA regulations on labeling are written in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 21. www.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/cfrassemble.cgititle200421. The USDA requirements for...

 Soy Candles
Published: 1-1-1996
Candle making can be a simple process when you aren’t attempting to make the perfect candle. You simply melt the wax, add the dye and fragrance, and pour the liquid into a container with a centered and anchored wick. Then leave it stand for approximately 15 hours, and it’s ready ...

 Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
Published: 1-1-1996
HACCP is an acronym that stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. HACCP is a science-based system for assuring the safety of food from chemical, physical and biological hazards from the farm to the table.