Apr–Jun, 2012

Lamberton, Minn. — After working on agricultural development in West Africa, Kathleen Batalden Smith and her husband Justin Smith came home to rural Minnesota and began some ag development of…

Agristrand Mankato, LLC plans to manufacture soybean-straw door cores and furniture panels — a renewable alternative to wood particleboard. The $10.25 million start-up has purchased the former Environ Biocomposites factory…

AURI is joining forces with a six-state consortium that wants biomass to heat up the nation’s heartland. Heating the Midwest is a newly-formed biomass group with industry, government, nonprofit, university…

New Prague, Minn. — Consumers who love their probiotics may be smiling with thick, white mustaches. A new drinkable yogurt has been released by Cedar Summit Farm, a fourth-generation family…

The role of AURI board chair is a natural fit for Ron Obermoller, who was elected to the position on January 19. A lifelong farmer, with a background in animal…

Amanda Wanke joined AURI in January as director of communications. She oversees AURI’s communications efforts including the organization’s website, print materials, electronic newsletter, tradeshow displays and media outreach. Prior to…

With this issue of Ag Innovation News, managing editor Cindy Green steps down as the leader of a publication she helped launch in 1992. For two decades — first as…

Renewable fuel advocates have high hopes for cellulosic ethanol — made from plant waste rather than corn. Reality may take a little longer.

Editor’s Note: This ongoing feature updates readers on activities, projects and events in AURI’s four primary focus areas. For more information, visit auri.org. Food Products – Meaty presentations AURI has…

AURI is leading the way in Minnesota agricultural innovation. To better articulate that vision to a growing audience, we’ve made some changes to our logo and visual identity.

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

Minneapolis, Minn. — Larry Shiller’s mom died three years ago at age 98. Her chocolate macaroons live on. In 2009, when Shiller decided to produce gluten-free macaroons for the commercial…