Follow AURI and its continuing story of innovation through our podcast, publications, videos, press, and news releases.
Mary Hartman didn’t intend to be a pioneer in the horse feed industry; it just worked out that way, and it all began out of love for a horse. ‘I…
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute is conducting a multifaceted study of the environmental and economic benefits of capturing and repurposing nutrients from agriculturally derived products. The study, in collaboration with…
Farmer-owned cooperatives have long been a foundational mechanism for Minnesota growers to work together for collective benefit. The first Minnesota farmer cooperatives date back to the 1890s. For 15 years,…
Years ago, Paul Benson sat down with his two sons for a conversation that would ultimately reshape not only his family’s future but the future of his hometown. A lifelong…
This issue of Ag Innovation News highlights AURI’s first-term Board Director, Rep. Paul Anderson. Rep. Anderson is a fourth-generation family farmer from Starbuck, Minnesota, and a graduate of the University…
AURI clients are a highly diverse mix of entities, ranging from farmers to entrepreneurial startups to legacy businesses expanding their offerings. Yet many share a common trait that drives them…
To introduce more Minnesota farmers to the benefits of on-site anaerobic digesters, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) published a new report, The Biogas Opportunity for Minnesota Farmers: A Business…
In June 2025, Charlie Lucas joined the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) as a senior food scientist. He co-leads AURI’s food innovation efforts across Minnesota’s value-added agricultural ecosystem. He supports…
A Minnesota company is finding market success using recaptured dairy ingredients for animal and human nutrition. After operating as Milk Specialties Global, the company, based in Eden Prairie, rebranded in…
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) recently began working on a project to help protein businesses expand or relocate to Minnesota. Earlier this summer MBOLD and AURI launched the Protein…
Leading the way in renewable energy is nothing new for Minnesota, which for decades has been a pioneer in biofuels like ethanol, biodiesel, and, most recently, sustainable aviation fuel. The…
Ella VanKempen’s test plots at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) in Morris, Minnesota, look a little different than most of the agricultural research locations around the state.…
This issue of Ag Innovation News highlights AURI’s first-term Board Director, Rep. Rick Hansen. A member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, Rep. Hansen was elected to the Minnesota House…
This June, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) will congratulate Lolly Occhino on her retirement after nine years of service as AURI’s senior food scientist. Occhino first gained interest in…
Launched in 2015, Hoyo embarked on a journey to fill an important employment and cultural food gap in Minnesota’s economy. The state is home to the largest population of Somalis…
A Food Business AI Tool for Entrepreneurs and Producers The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) works with entrepreneurs, farmers, founders, and home cooks alike to provide valuable knowledge and insight…
By Dan Lemke Business growth is rarely linear. Companies can find themselves at a crossroads in their growth journey that can influence their future trajectory. Months ago, Thousand Hills Lifetime…
A gallon of milk in a display case at a grocery store contains whey and casein protein. There are two common forms of beta-casein: A1 and A2. A1 milk is…
By Dan Lemke Soybean meal has been a staple ingredient in livestock diets for decades. Beyond feeding pigs and poultry, soybean meal, soy hulls, and other soy products could find…
This issue of Ag Innovation News (AIN) highlights AURI’s first-term Board Director, Kent Heins. Kent represents the Minnesota Beef Council and helps lead the Minnesota Hereford Breeders Association. He is…
AURI launched its “Ag Innovation News” podcast in September 2022 to serve as an extension of the Ag Innovation News biannual newspaper. The podcast is hosted by former AURI Director…
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is publishing a series of market spotlights that examine different food and agriculture opportunities for the state of Minnesota. AURI’s market research team compiled…
The far north-central point of Minnesota has produced iconic brands like Marvin® Windows and Doors and Polaris Industries and a generation of talented hockey players. The region is also the…
By Dan Lemke For several years, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) has played a key role in projects intended to further the viability of Kernza®, a perennial intermediate wheatgrass…
By Dan Lemke Roof replacement can be one of the most expensive repairs homeowners face. According to Forbes, the average cost for asphalt shingles on a 2,000-square-foot roof can be…
January 16, 2025 will officially mark the conclusion of John Schafer’s nine years of service to the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute’s (AURI) board of directors. As a board member, he…
This quarter, Ag Innovation News (AIN) highlights AURI’s first-year Board Director, Minnesota State Senator Aric Putnam. Sen. Putnam is Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Broadband & Rural Development Committee, Vice…
This quarter, Ag Innovation News (AIN) highlights AURI’s first-term Board Director, Minnesota State Representative Samantha Vang. Representative Vang is Chair of the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee and serves on…
This quarter, Ag Innovation News (AIN) highlights AURI’s first-term Board Director, Minnesota Farmers Union elected member Ted Winter. Winter is a third-generation farmer who has farmed his family’s land for…
This quarter, Ag Innovation News (AIN) highlights AURI’s first-term Board Director, Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council member Mikayla Tabert. In this edition of AIN’s Board Q&A, Tabert shares her…
AURI launched its “Ag Innovation News” podcast in September 2022 to serve as an extension of the Ag Innovation News biannual newspaper. The podcast is hosted by former AURI Director…
The origin of Clo Clo Vegan Foods is very personal for co-founders Wendy and Augie Hinnenkamp. Their daughter Chloe has eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic allergic inflammatory disease of the esophagus…
Restaurant and food service industry professionals from across the United States and around the globe descend on Chicago for four days in May for the annual National Restaurant Association Show.…
Access to cold storage space is critical for the distribution of meat products worldwide. For meat processors, cold storage space is necessary to maintain quality, extend shelf life, and ensure…
By Dan Lemke Minnesota’s emerging hemp industry may be in a prime position to help one of the state’s largest agencies solve a problem while also opening doors to potential…
By Dan Lemke Ground has broken on a unique biomanufacturing facility in Marshall, Minnesota that will turn corn into chemicals. Bioforge Marshall will use a novel chemoenzymatic technology to sustainably…