Apr–Jun, 2006

  The time is right. After more than eight years as AURI executive director, it’s time for me to turn over the reins of this fine organization, move to the…

  1. What is carding waste?   a. Something you discard in Texas Hold ‘Em b. Low-value wool processing fibers c. Paper scraps from the Hallmark company 2. Which Minnesota…

Morris, Minn. — Wool blankets have been keeping humans warm for centuries. Now they will help grow berries. The Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers Association is marketing Woolch, a wool…

Thief River Falls, Minn. — ATVs are getting a ‘bio’ tryout. Minnesota farmers have teamed up with Arctic Cat Inc. to perform the first-ever tests of a biodiesel-fueled, all-terrain vehicle.…

  The world can’t get enough cardboard. Even though it is reused more than almost any other product, there is a global shortage of what industry calls OCC, old corrugated…

What is gasification? Gasification is a thermochemical reaction that occurs when organic materials are heated to high temperatures without much oxygen. Think of it as slow, precisely-controlled combustion. This process…

Every year, Planet Earth produces a deep well of untapped energy, but it’s not oil. It’s renewable biomass — plant and animal materials that represent an energy resource of about…

Morris, Minn. — Is it economical to power an industrial park in Morris with a) manure digested into methane, b) corn stover combusted into electricity or c) biogas generated from…

Editors note: As a service to our readers, we provide news about the work of others in the ag utilization arena. Often, research done elsewhere complements AURI’s work. Please note…

Since 1989, when it became a nonprofit corporation, AURI has been governed by a board of directors representing commodity groups, farm organizations, the state legislature and agribusiness. These stakeholders —…

Crookston, Minn. — Fifteen years ago, Teresa Spaeth left suburban Indianapolis for rural Mahnomen to help take over her husband’s family farm. Today she is totally immersed in agriculture and…

Waseca, Minn. — Minnesota may be sitting on an abundant, low-cost, high-nutrient fertilizer that’s easy to handle and available statewide. Better yet, it may reduce costs for farmer’s and one…

If you grew up before World War II, you probably remember “town gas.” Until the 1940s, town gas — also known as coal gas or manufactured gas — was made…