Free online event April 16 will share current research, pilot trial, and commercialization pathways
CROOKSTON, Minn. (March 26, 2026) — The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) – a nonprofit organization that works to find expanded uses and markets for agricultural products – will host a free webinar on April 16, 2026, as part of its Field of Innovation event series. The webinar, “Beyond Forage: Expanding Alfalfa’s Potential for Feed and Fertilizer,” is the second in a two-part series that shifts the focus from food-grade applications to non-forage uses of alfalfa in feed, fertilizer, and processing technologies. AURI and field experts will share current research and pilot-trial opportunities, focusing on expanding alfalfa’s role in diversified, resilient agricultural markets.
| WHAT: | AURI’s “Beyond Forage: Expanding Alfalfa’s Potential for Feed & Fertilizer” Webinar |
| WHEN: | Thursday, April 16, 2026 | Noon to 1 p.m. CT |
| WHERE: | Please register in advance |
| WHO: | The webinar is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Ideal for growers, processors, product developers, researchers, and sustainability-focused stakeholders interested in practical pathways for integrating alfalfa into next-generation agricultural value chains. |
In this session, participants will hear about:
- Non-forage alfalfa opportunities in specialty animal feeds, including swine, nonruminant, and aquatic species
- Current research and field trials evaluating alfalfa-based feed and fertilizer applications
- Functional performance, nutrient considerations, and technical challenges across use cases
- Processing equipment innovations enabling new value chain opportunities
- Broader landscape and supply-chain implications of advancing perennial crops beyond traditional forage markets
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Sudario Roberto Silva has performed extensive research on alfalfa solubles in nursery swine diets.
Deborah Samac has research expertise in alfalfa pathology and biotechnology and has investigated new uses of alfalfa for aquaculture.
Bob Johnston is a senior engineer who will be sharing an alfalfa processing equipment demonstration.
A live Q&A will follow the speakers, offering an opportunity to discuss research findings, commercialization pathways, and collaboration with regional partners.
“Alfalfa is Minnesota’s 4th largest harvested crop, and production was estimated at 2.55 million tons in 2024,” says Michael Sparby, director of commercialization at AURI. “Exploring and finding new opportunities for this traditional crop will bring new benefits to our agricultural community.”
This webinar is part of the AURI Connects: Fields of Innovation event series, which focuses on convening regional ag and food value chains to build capacity and successfully accelerate the commercialization of new crop and livestock opportunities, including new traits for existing crops. Fields of Innovation creates opportunities for connection to build a strong ecosystem in Minnesota and border states, providing ag producers and value chain partners with new market opportunities.
The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Minnesota Farmers Union, Legacy Agripartners, and Northern Crops Institute.
To attend the “Beyond Forage: Expanding Alfalfa’s Potential for Feed and Fertilizer” webinar, register here.
###
ABOUT AURI
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute is a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate the expansion of the agricultural economy by empowering expanded uses and markets of agriculturally derived products. It accomplishes this by using science and technology to help develop new uses for agricultural products. It collaborates globally, acts regionally, and is known as an economic catalyst for Minnesota with a focus on bioindustrial products and food. AURI provides a broad range of services, including applied research and development, scientific assistance, and a targeted network across the value chain to foster collaboration. To learn more, visit auri.org.
