Farmers Get a Hands-on for Processing their own Feed and Fuel

Hands-on workshops teach soybean growers to make own feed and fuel

Newton ON, June 18, 2009 – Farmers had the opportunity to learn the value growing in their soybean field last week at a two-day hands-on workshop held on June 11 and 12. The workshop explored practical ways for Ontario growers to gain value from their soybean crop by making their own feed and fuel.

Energrow, a company that locally designs and manufactures farm-scale oil pressing systems teamed up with the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) to provide this more personal and hands-on workshop for farmers.

The first day of the workshop focused on farm-scale oil pressing and the many uses of the bioproducts directly on the farm. The Energrow soybean meal (Soyex) bioproduct makes an excellent feed for animals, and the fresh oil can be used in feed, lubrication, crop spray, and even direct diesel fuel applications. Participants tested the quality of their feed and fuel bioproducts, explored the economics of on-farm oil pressing, and learned about the grant and funding opportunities available for implementing and oil pressing system. “Farmers can create a lot of value themselves with the right equipment and knowledge, that’s what this workshop was all about” says Hofer, CEO of Energrow.

Day two of the workshop focused on on-farm biodiesel production, taking oil produced from the press or waste oil and processing it further to make a green diesel fuel. Dr. Rex Newkirk, director of biofuels and feed for CIGI ran the show with his mobile biodiesel trailer which was driven out on self-made biodiesel from Manitoba for the event. “I Iook forward to coming back again next year,” says Newkirk.

Among a wide array of speakers, mainline tractor companies Case and New Holland showcased their advances in biofuels with their newest tractor models fully guaranteed to run on B100. “Farmers are wondering, if they did produce farm-grown fuel, just how convenient it would be to use in today’s equipment. It is great to see how the industry is responding” says Kevin McKague, event speaker and biofuels specialist for OMAFRA.

This event was made possible through the support of Soy 20/20. “We look forward to hold this event again so more farmers can learn about the on-farm feed and fuel options available to them,” says Hofer.

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High Resolution Pictures Available for the Event.

Jasmin

Energrow Inc.
Road 128 (7389), Newton, Ontario, N0K 1R0
http://www.energrow.ca - energy as nature intended
519.595.8299