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Research Reports

AURI conducts practical, applied research that identifies emerging opportunities to add value to agriculture products. This information is publicly available with the hope that it will spur ideas for new products and processes.

Browse the archive of research below, or search for your area of interest.

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Food fish comprise a diverse category in Minnesota from its legendary walleye to trout. Besides wild caught fishing, which goes back many generations, commercially viable
This research can help direct cattle producers on design, construction and management of their feeding operations to effectively raise cattle along with gaining greater
During this research, selective extraction of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) produced several valuable materials.  Using a process developed at the Natural Resources
The objective of this study was to determine potential biomass resources within the Midwest for thermal heating applications in order to provide a “snapshot”
The Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Ford Foundation are convening a National Conference and Conversation on Rural
AURI has received several requests for technical assistance related to omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and the allowed health claims for products containing these
On June 30th, the Minnesota Food Innovators Network (Mn-FIN) came together for the first time to begin a conversation about creating a network that
Reclaimed municipal wastewater may be a useful resource for agricultural processing. Reusing waste water could help save valuable water resources while benefitting agricultural processing
This report details results of the use of crude glycerol, a bio-diesel coproduct, in diets for lactating sows. Part of a large collaborative project
An evaluation of glycerol, a biodiesel coproduct, in grow-finish pig diets to support growth and improve pork quality. Part of a large collaboration between
This project looks at different densification technologies throughout the world to bring the most economical and efficient technology to Minnesota. Biomass densification is one
AURI operates an analytical laboratory capable of performing both instrumental and wet chemistry tests suitable for defining physical and chemical characteristics of a variety
The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), in conjunction with the Center for Producer Owned Energy, Aitkin County Land Department, and the Aitkin County Economic
There is growing interest among consumers in knowing the origins of the food they eat. This is also creating opportunities for producers. A market
The AURI Fuels Initiative II Brochure is provided to use as a general comparative guide for agricultural renewable fuels. The evaluated agricultural renewable fuel
Interest in developing biofuels from renewable ingredients, including agricultural products, remains strong. While many developments that are occurring are larger scale, opportunities may not
Among the key issues facing further development of renewable energy in Minnesota is the availability of trained, qualified employees. A Biofuels Needs Assessment was
Microwave drying is an emerging technology that could be used as an alternative to the current method which most often uses heat from burning
Wind farms are springing up throughout Minnesota as efforts are made to capture the energy of the wind. While some of these farms and
By the end of 2008, the National Biodiesel Board estimates the nation’s biodiesel production capacity will exceed 1.3 billion gallons per year. Producing that
As the biodiesel industry grows, so does the nation’s supply of glycerin. Refined glycerin is used in thousands of products from food to toothpaste
Minnesota has a growing biodiesel industry, highlighted by several producer-owned plants and more than 60 million gallons of annual production capacity. While the industry
Read the complete report; The Emerging Biobased Economy About This Report The purpose of the study is to provide analytic insight and foundations needed
Minnesota farmers produce thousands of acres of oilseeds including soybeans, canola, sunflowers and more. But the amount of oilseeds processed in the state is
View our corn stoves brochure, which contains information about corn and pellet fuel manufacturers in Minnesota, as well as how moisture level in the
The purpose of this study is to estimate the economic impact of meat/milk processing plants to the state’s economy and community vitality. This study
In an effort to reach possible new markets, interest in producing alternative livestock has grown among Minnesota producers. For many of these species, little
As the biodiesel industry grows, so does the nation’s supply of glycerin. Refined glycerin is used in thousands of products from food to toothpaste
With the fluctuating cost of soybean meal and synthetic lysine, many producers are faced with looking for cost effective alternatives for this limiting amino
According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, Minnesota can expect one hundred and ninety thousand foreign immigrants between 1995 and 2025. During a
AURI Development and Utilization of Agricultural Co-Products Program seek utilization ideas for plant and animal by/co-products that present environmental and economic opportunities. The development
Food labeling is mandated by federal and state laws to ensure accurate representation of the product. The FDA regulations on labeling are written in
Livestock producers in Minnesota and elsewhere are seeking ways to deal with manure from their operations in a safe, efficient and sustainable way. Among
Anaerobic digesters are not necessarily a fit for every operation. There are multiple considerations that should be addressed prior to installing these digesters. File
There is growing interest among consumers in knowing the origins of the food they eat. This is also creating opportunities for producers. A market
Candle making can be a simple process when you aren’t attempting to make the perfect candle. You simply melt the wax, add the dye