Jul–Sep, 2008

None of us can see the future. We may be able to predict certain events based on past experience, but the future still eludes us. That doesn’t mean we can’t…

Eco-friendly, bio-based products made from agricultural and natural resources, are gaining popularity among U.S. consumers. And the largest U.S. consumer — the federal government — is now mandated to purchase…

Marshall, Minn. — AURI recently commissioned the Southwest Marketing Advisory Center to assess manufacturer and consumer attitudes about using and buying bioproducts to determine current and future demand. “We wanted…

Marshall, Minn. — AURI’s “oilman” retires July 1. Max Norris joined AURI in 1990, soon after it was founded. He organized the Institute’s laboratories and led fats and oils research…

Edina, Minn. — The world is a softer place thanks to an accidental discovery. A lotion made from central Minnesota soy oil was developed 12 years ago. Since then, thousands…

What makes raspberry yogurt pink, cherry-pie filling red and grape soda purple? Would you believe refined petroleum? That’s right. FD&C Red No. 40, the most common food color,is derived from…

Lamberton, Minn. — When Lee and Joann French first started breeding red corn, they were looking for hybrids that would be bad for pests. In a serendipitous twist, they found…

  Jackson, Minn. — The emerging biofuels industry is offering up more than new ag markets. Developing talent for new rural jobs is another opportunity the Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable…

Williams, Minn. — Northern Excellence Seed, LLC, one of Minnesota’s first companies preparing to generate power on-site from biomass, was presented the 2008 AURI Ag Innovator of the Year award…

Minnesota biomass-energy plants are producing more than 100,000 tons of ash per year that could have fertilizer value, but the ash has to be granulated before it can be applied…

Editors note: Elsewhere provides news from around the globe on new uses for agricultural products. Please note that ARS is the research arm of USDA. Sweetened plastic Sugar-beet pulp may…

  1. What percent of ag commodities are currently used in industrial products? A. 4 percent B. 40 percent C. 11 percent 2. How many bottles of soy-based lotion did…