HACCP workshop this month
St. Cloud, Minn. — AURI is offering Minnesota meat and poultry processors a workshop on January 15-16 for training and planning in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point systems.
Participants will come away with a plan for their facility and basic information on implementing the safety system. Those who complete the course will receive a certificate and an accreditation seal from the International HACCP Alliance.
The registration fee of $140 per person includes textbook, materials and refreshments. Pre-registration is required as space is limited.
For more information or to register, contact Louise Eischens or Darrell Bartholomew at the AURI Southwest Field Office in Marshall, (507) 537-7440.
Homegrown energy seminars
Lake Crystal, Minn. — Homegrown energy is the focus of four sessions this month on the potential of ag-based power. The two-hour sessions will provide the latest updates and information on agricultural energy industries, focusing on such topics as biodiesel, ethanol, wind energy and digesters.
Scheduled for January 3, 10, 17 and 31 at the American Legion in Lake Crystal, the sessions will run from 1-3 p.m. each day. Topics are:
January 3: Biodiesel industry and opportunities
January 10: Ethanol industry and opportunities
January 17: Value-added resources and alternative energy opportunities
January 31: Evaluating value-added opportunities
Scheduled presenters include State Commerce Commissioner Jim Bernstein, Sen. Jim Vickerman, AURI Senior Scientist Max Norris, University of Minnesota Extension Educator Kent Thiesse, and Ralph Groschen of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Panel discussions will involve other Minnesota ag leaders.
Pre-paid registration is $10 per session or $35 for all four sessions. Cost at the door is $15 per session.
For more information contact Kathie Davis of Resource Connections at (507) 345-3029 or Jerry Rollings of JR Connections at (507) 546-3089.
Norris and Christopherson honored by soybean groups
Mankato, Minn. – AURI senior scientist Max Norris received the Domestic Marketing Award from the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council at its 40th anniversary celebration November 30.
Norris and AURI have collaborated with MSRPC on numerous projects, including the development and marketing of soy-based Preference and Destiny surfactants, Barrier livestock odor control products, SoySoft hand lotions, Renaissance fertilizers, DustLock road dust control and Eco-Line rust inhibiting products.
“It is an honor to be acknowledged,” Norris says. “It’s also an honor that (MSRPC) recognizes and appreciates their collaboration with AURI and the impact we’ve been able to have on growers. It’s an affirmation that this liaison has been fruitful.”
The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation and its president, Al Christopherson, received the Ag Policy Award from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association for supporting biodiesel. Christopherson chairs the AURI board of directors.