Jul–Sep, 2010

Plymouth, Minn. — Katie Sanchez was trying to make apple jelly. She made a mistake — which turned into a thick sugar that tastes like honey. After two years of…

Cannon Falls, Minn. — For millions of Americans, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner is all about the aroma of a bronze-baked turkey pulled from the oven — a feast for the…

The rains stopped and a sunflower oil business sprouted in central Minnesota. “A couple years ago, when there was a drought, I was looking for a crop that could grow…

Blooming Prairie, Minn. — Building products, made by a southern Minnesota extrusion company, have a material difference. Bio-Plastic Solutions, LLC is manufacturing durable furniture parts and building components from corn-based…

Minnesota could become a leader in the new bioplastics industry, says Denny Timmerman, AURI project director. The state already has clusters of renewable-materials companies that are converting agricultural products into…

Seeing better with corn ARS scientists and an international team of researchers have found a way to boost beta-carotene levels in corn that could help prevent blindness and weakened immune…

Bruce Stockman Project development director Bruce Stockman, former long-time executive director of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council, has joined AURI as a…

AURI is a science-based institute. We offer clients technical assistance and laboratories to put innovative concepts through rigorous testing, analysis, development and scale-up for commercial markets. Our resources are limited;…

Fergus Falls, Minn. — While describing himself as just “a guy with a vote in the United States Senate,” Sen. Al Franken told participants at a June 4 Renewable Energy…

Marshall, Minn. — Mark Altman has covered a lot of turf in his career. The agronomist has worked in well-known sports venues such as Gillette Stadium, home of the New…

Businesses we work with are developing ag-based products that lead to opportunities, economic activity and jobs. They deserve our recognition.

This year, AURI’s annual Ag Innovator of the Year award goes to Suntava.

Benson, Minn. — Curious onlookers scrunched in ear plugs to suppress the hum of a diesel generator. It powered a cyclonic dryer that “whirled” moisture out of corn cobs. The…