Oct–Dec, 2008

AURI strives for innovation — not just creativity but making something the world can use. We are always looking for the next big thing, recognizing trends, helping our clients design…

Cottonwood, Minn. — Jon Mohn is working on a new “screen-saver” program. He has a warehouse full of grass-seed chaff and screenings — material he once threw away. Now he’s…

Benson, Minn. — Minnesota corn farmers may soon become cob farmers too — if Bill Lee has his way. Lee, general manager of the Chippewa Valley Ethanol Cooperative, is investigating…

Opportunities are often disguised as problems — a need for something new or improved. Every year, AURI staff meet with leaders in agriculture, business and economic development to understand their…

Environmental Dust Control tries new ingredients as renewable energy ups the demand for crop oils Editor’s note: This series updates readers on entrepreneurial ventures featured in past issues of Ag…

Cecil Massie wants to skip the cow. Cow manure is getting notice as a methane source for generating electricity. But Massie, a chemical engineer, is looking ahead at making methane…

Carmen McEwen, AURI’s new deputy director of science and technology, brings an international flair, strong interest in innovation, and experience developing food, cosmetic, oral care and nutraceutical products to the…

Roundtable team looks at incentives and tools needed for renewable-energy ventures. Money is key to a renewable-energy venture’s success. But it’s not the only factor. Energy projects need to be…

Gilfillian , Minn. — AURI showcased value-added agricultural innovations to thousands of visitors to Minnesota’s premier farm show, Farmfest 2008, in August. The three-day outdoor event near Redwood Falls annually…

Falcon Heights, Minn. — The Great Minnesota Get-Together may be all about food – but it doesn’t have to come deep-fried on a stick. With AURI’s support, hundreds of State…

Mahnomen, Minn. — Companies vying in the competitive snack-food market won’t succeed with half-baked ideas. A new Minnesota venture is eager to show its fully-baked potato chip will fit consumers’…

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. Palm power Brazilian researchers are…

  1. How much prairie-grass seed screenings does Prairie Wild produce annually? A. 42 tons B. 350,000 pounds C. 8,000 pounds 2. What is the name of Environmental Dust Control’s…