November 2013

Forging new paths

by Jonathan Eisenthal Entrepreneurs discover that inventing their own unique pathway to success is part of inventing their business. They draw inspiration from the tales of other unusual business successes, and in turn become inspirations for the next great ideas. A young couple launching a creamery in central Minnesota invited their social media contacts to contribute funds and share the news of their campaign, using a crowdfunding website. They topped… Continue Reading Forging new paths

Associated Press article on ethanol full of inaccuracies

The Associated Press recently released a story on ethanol’s impact on the environment; the story is full of hyperbole and repeats long-standing myths about renewable fuels. Get your facts, and learn more about the other side of the story. > “Where the AP story got it wrong” by FuelsAmerica > “Associated Press story plows under the facts about ethanol” by the Minnesota Corn Growers > Renewable Fuels Association myths vs.… Continue Reading Associated Press article on ethanol full of inaccuracies

2013 Ag Innovator of the year: Protein Resources, LLC

Soybean meal, while an excellent animal feed, still can’t be fed to a whole range of animals as soluble sugars in soybean meal are very disruptive to the digestive tract of baby pigs and carnivorous fish, in particular. That’s where Protein Resources, LLC, saw an opportunity to innovate and provide a feed ingredient that the market has been waiting for. “We felt that the market was looking for a soy-based,… Continue Reading 2013 Ag Innovator of the year: Protein Resources, LLC

Scientist instrumental in biodiesel development passes away

Hemendra Basu, Ph.D., who passed away on October 27 in California at the age of 80, patented a process for creating esters (found in essential oils) from a feedstock that includes a fat or an oil, such as soybeans. This discovery and the subsequent work were instrumental in the development of biodiesel. In 2011, approximately 1 billion gallons of biodiesel were produced from locally grown materials – providing jobs and… Continue Reading Scientist instrumental in biodiesel development passes away