Ethanol Facility Powered by Renewable Energy From Dairy Waste Planned
For Fair Oaks Dairy Farm in Indiana
(CSRwire) <http://www.csrwire.com> FAIR OAKS, Ind. -- Bion
Environmental Technologies and Fair Oaks Dairy Farms, the largest dairy
east of the Mississippi River and an industry leader in efforts to find
a solution to dairy environmental issues, today announced a joint
venture that will enable environmentally sustainable expansion of animal
agriculture in concert with ethanol production. Bion's patented animal
waste technology supports the synergistic integration of ethanol
production with animal agriculture by enabling herd concentration. Herd
concentration both provides the scale needed to achieve the economically
viable generation of renewable energy in support of ethanol production,
and establishes a stable local market for the entire volume of produced
co-product distiller grains without the need for drying.
Bion's technology platform provides sufficient renewable energy from the
associated animal waste stream to produce ethanol absent any outside
fuel source such as natural gas or coal, while it directly addresses the
growing long-term risk to distiller grains revenues as those markets
become increasingly saturated by the continued expansion of U.S. ethanol
production. The result of Bion's unique integration of ethanol with
animal agriculture is economic and environmental sustainability for
both.
Early results indicate that implementation of Bion's patented and
proprietary technology improves the net energy balance in the production
of ethanol from corn from 1.4 to 1 up to 2.5 to 1. In essence, Bion's
technology platform utilizes the inherent energy value of the cellulosic
component of the manure stream to improve both net energy value and
margins in the production of ethanol.
The integrated Bion platform incorporating ethanol production at Fair
Oaks will be a balanced, closed-loop system that the company's research
indicates will create sufficient renewable energy to support one million
gallons of ethanol for every 1,000 dairy cows. "Based on Bion's ratio
forecast between herd concentration and ethanol production, it appears
that both heat energy and ethanol co-product can be in balance in an
environmentally sustainable manner," according to John Ewen of Ardour
Capital, an advisor to Bion.
The two-stage joint venture announced today provides for the
construction of a research center in Stage One to determine the economic
and environmental sustainability of utilizing sand bedding in
conjunction with Bion's technology platform. Based upon that evaluation,
Stage Two will include a Bion treatment system for Fair Oaks' dairy herd
and potentially other local dairy herds, along with an ethanol plant of
a size to be determined by the number of participating dairy animals.
Stage I construction is expected to commence shortly; Stage II is
projected to commence in 2007.
End products from the animal waste stream in Bion's proprietary system
include renewable energy, and high-value biological solids to be
marketed as either organic fertilizer or as a high-protein animal feed
ingredient for other species.
Bion's implementation plan projects a number of dairies located within a
geographic area, each with modular waste treatment facilities capable of
handling the waste stream of 10,000 dairy cows or more. Renewable energy
produced by the Bion technology platform will meet the natural gas
requirements of an ethanol plant on a ratio of 1,000 dairy cows to one
million gallons of ethanol production. This model will enable Bion to
secure burner-tip (retail) values for the renewable energy produced,
instead of wellhead (wholesale) values presently being achieved by
anaerobic digesters and other renewable energy technologies focused on
the animal waste market.
Expanded herd concentration directly resulting from the implementation
of Bion's patented technology platform can lower capital costs while
significantly improving operating margins of expanding or new ethanol
facilities. Ethanol production sites will not require dryers,
eliminating both the capital and the imbedded energy costs in the corn
co-products. In addition, the ability to create a local herd in
immediate proximity to the ethanol plant essentially eliminates the
distiller grains marketing and revenue risk, reducing transportation
costs and eliminating the requirement for natural gas in the site
selection process. It will enable existing older plants and East Coast
facilities to "create" markets for their ethanol co-product, and
therefore to remain competitive with newer larger facilities in the
Midwest.
Bion's patented technology significantly reduces environmental impacts
of large-scale animal farming while enabling herd concentration required
for economies of scale in the generation of renewable energy. The
patented "microaerobic" process for biologically treating dairy waste
encapsulates most of the pollutants so they can no longer escape into
the air and water, reducing the nutrient content of the treated waste
stream in the effluent discharge by 75-90% and air emissions by 90-99%.
The closed-loop ethanol production system simultaneously provides an end
user for the undried distiller grains and for the dairy's waste stream.
The new research center at Fair Oaks will also test the closed-loop
ethanol-production system with waste from other farm animals, such as
hogs and beef cattle.
For more information on Bion's system performance data, peer review team
and test protocols, see http://www.biontech.com/technology.
About Fair Oaks Dairy Farms: Dr. Michael J. McCloskey, one of the
principals of Fair Oaks Dairy Farms, has held leadership roles at all
levels of the dairy industry. A veterinarian by training, he is also
active in the ownership and management of other dairies in New Mexico,
Michigan, and Indiana, and previously operated two dairies in Southern
California. He founded in 1992 and continues to co-own and manage
Quality Milk Sales, which is responsible for marketing over 4 billion
pounds of milk a year on behalf of Select Milk Producers and Continental
Dairy Products, whose operations stretch through New Mexico, Texas,
Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. He was instrumental in
the formation of the Southwest Agency, which controls the marketing and
transportation of virtually all milk in Texas and New Mexico on behalf
of private dairy farmer cooperatives. Its success has been viewed as a
model for achieving price stability without government intervention in
other parts of the country. Dr. McCloskey is acting chairman of the
Southwest Cheese Company, set up to handle 10 million pounds of milk per
day, and serves on the board of the National Milk Producers Federation,
participating in the Federal Order Policy and Dairy Export Policy
committees. In 2004 he started a large-scale agri-tourism and
brand-building experience, the Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure and Fair Oaks
Dairy Products Partnerships.
About Bion: Bion Environmental Technologies, Inc.'s patented and
proprietary technology for large dairy farms (as well as swine and other
animal facilities) mitigates the nutrient releases to water and gaseous
emissions to air created by the waste streams of such operations while
enabling profitable integration of renewable energy production (methane
and ethanol). Bion's stock trades under the symbol "BNET" on the Pink
Sheets. This material includes forward-looking statements based on
management's current reasonable business expectations. In this document,
the word "intends" and similar expressions identify certain
forward-looking statements. These statements are made in reliance on the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, Section 27A of the Securities
act of 1933, as amended. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that
could result in actual results differing materially from expected
outcomes.
For further information, please visit the Bion website at
http://www.biontech.com, or contact
For more information please contact:
John Ewen <mailto:[log in to unmask]> , Ardour Capital Partners,
LLC
(212) 375-2950, ext.
Mark Smith <mailto:[log in to unmask]> , President and General Counsel
(719) 256-5329 office
(303) 517-5302 cell
David Mager <mailto:[log in to unmask]> , Vice President - Public
Policy
(413) 247-0120 office
(413) 427-1768 cell
Job announcement for sustainable or organic fruit and ornamental
extension educator
Please pass this announcement or apply yourself if you qualify and are
interested in working with MSU extension to expand opportunities for
Michigan fruit producers, including organic growers. Michigan offers a
huge selection of fruit and ornamental production, unlike many of our
neighboring states and this is a smorgasbord of opportunity for an
educator interested in expanding and enhancing the markets and knowledge
for our fruit and ornamental producers, especially in the organic
arena!! Please pass this along to anyone you feel may fill this great
need.
June 2006
#1507
POSITION: Extension Educator, Fruit & Ornamentals, Berrien County
OFFICE LOCATION: Benton Harbor, MI
STATUS: This position is funded 100% by a grant with appointment on an
annual renewal basis.
AVAILABLE: September 15, 2006
APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 18, 2006
STARTING SALARY: Commensurate with training and experience up to
$44,500.
POSITION DESCRIPTION/QUALIFICATIONS: See attached.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply using the Web Employment Application
process at:
http://www.msue.msu.edu/jobs
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Barbara Campbell
MSU Southwest
Michigan State University Extension
3700 E. Gull Lake Drive
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Phone: 269/671-2444
Fax: 269/671-2409
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Extension Agriculture and
Natural Resources Educator
Fruit and Ornamentals Area of Expertise
Berrien County
June 2006
Summary Description:
Berrien County is the state's 14th most populous county at 162,453
persons (80% white, 16% African American). (Source: 2000 US Census)
The predominant economic segments are manufacturing, agriculture, and
service/retail. Berrien County is situated in the most southwestern
corner of the state bordering Lake Michigan and the State of Indiana.
The moderate temperatures, soils, proximity to markets, and an
established agricultural infrastructure combine to make Berrien County
one the most diverse horticultural areas east of the Mississippi River.
Berrien County ranks second in Michigan for fruit production with 388
farms (17,580 acres) including apples, peaches, tart cherries, and
grapes. Both fresh-market vegetable production and an expanding
ornamentals industry make up other components of horticulture. (Source:
2004 County Agricultural Statistics; MASS) A major Michigan State
University horticulture research and demonstration center is located
adjacent to the county Extension office.
General Responsibilities:
Provide leadership and cooperate in planning and delivering effective
Extension educational programs in commercial horticulture with emphasis
on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), especially in fruit and nursery
crops. Plan, develop, implement and evaluate Extension educational
programs that focus on strengthening profitability.
1. Provide research based technical and crop management
information to farm operators, producers, agri business and related
industries in the counties.
2. Improve the knowledge and skills of producers and agri
business personnel in the application of research-proven techniques to
their production or marketing situations.
3. Provide program leadership by collaborating with the County
Extension Directors, extension educators, Extension Specialists and Area
of Expertise (AoE) team members to deliver programs to the horticulture
industry in Berrien County.
4. Contribute to the effective use of agricultural resources as a
part of overall social, economic, and environmental development in the
county.
5. Represent MSU Extension on the USDA County Emergency Board and
the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and stay informed on
matters that relate to farm commodity and farm chemical safety and
security.
6. Develop and support agriculture leadership within the Berrien
County agriculture and natural resource community.
Specific Responsibilities:
1. Provide Extension leadership in reviewing and assessing the
horticulture industry situation in relation to the region, state,
nation, and world. Communicate and interact with related commodity
groups.
2. Provide leadership to determine priority needs in the
horticulture industry in cooperation with local Extension staff and
stakeholder groups. Develop advisory group(s) or other structures for
program development and input.
3. Provide clientele/producers current and timely technical
recommendations applicable to industry through farm visits, one to one
contact, group presentations, newsletters, direct mail, news releases,
electronic media and other means. Provide farmers and other
agriculturalists with the results of unbiased research results in
agriculture and other related subject matter areas.
4. Provide leadership and support to the Agricultural Industry
through active participation in relevant Area of Expertise teams.
5. Serve as the lead county Extension educator in matters
pertaining to farm labor policy education and stay informed with key
local and state organizations that support/coordinate/administer
programs for farm labor.
6. Serve as an information resource for Extension personnel
throughout the district and region. Maintain and update databases of
horticulture producers to include: fruit, vegetable, ornamental
horticulture, and floriculture.
7. Develop Educational Initiatives, based upon program priorities
in accordance with local needs, advisory groups, and established
policies and procedures.
8. Assist growers in developing a strong farm financial
management system based on recordkeeping, cost of production data,
computer assisted decision-making and long-range planning.
9. Cooperate with other educators, with AOE team, with campus
based departments/specialists in establishing, conducting, and
evaluating demonstrations and research efforts in the area. Cooperate
with other USDA, county, and state agencies that support agriculture
industries.
10. Communicate the Extension and research needs of the area to
campus based departments, crop integrators, and research partners.
Assist departments and AOE team in determining these needs through
interaction with state commodity groups and associations
11. Cooperate with county and campus based Extension staff in
developing and implementing programs for improved crop production and
products (including strategies for value added products), improved
management decision making, and overall advancement in the industry.
Conduct educational programming in proper pesticide use, storage, and
safety.
12. Regularly share plans and results with County Extension Director
and other appropriate Extension colleagues.
13. Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate
current information about the industry to producers. Use communication
technologies (e mail, FAX, Web Page, etc.) to keep producers aware of
current pest conditions.
14. Actively participate in conferences, in service education, and
professional development activities to continually improve technical
expertise and proficiency as an educator. Submit reports, evaluations,
and other materials in a timely fashion, as required by MSUE.
15. Facilitate interactions with appropriate industry groups and
associations within the region as well as on a statewide basis.
16. Work with appropriate team members to meet the natural resource
and public policy programming needs related to agriculture, environment,
and land use issues.
17. Work with Extension Council and other advisory groups for
support of Extension programming.
18. Implement the directives and objectives of Equal Opportunity and
Affirmative Action regarding the availability of Extension programs.
Strive to reach a diverse audience and extend Extension programs to
under served audiences.
19. Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Master's degree related to horticulture with focus on fruit and/or
ornamentals. Course work or experience in integrated pest or crop
management or entomology preferred. Three years of Extension and/or
Extension related experience. Experience in improved crops management
practices to increase profitability, reduce undesirable environmental
impacts, manage insects and diseases, and food safety. Prior
experiences in conducting programs related to Integrated Pest
Management, Integrated Crop Management and value added products
preferred. Knowledge of farm management practices such as farm labor,
records, financial planning, marketing channels and organizations
preferred. Demonstrated ability to develop leadership in the agriculture
community. Ability to manage multiple and varied tasks required.
Ability to accept and delegate responsibility. Effective oral and
written communication skills. Knowledge and skills in the use of
computers for use in educational programming and management required.
Understanding of and a commitment to equal opportunity, affirmative
action and diversity/pluralism. Upon employment, must reside within
Berrien County (waiver available under certain circumstances).
Responsible to:
This position is responsible to the County Extension Director in Berrien
County. Interacts with input from the Regional Director, appropriate
CEDs and educators in counties served by this position, Area of
Expertise team, campus specialists, and other Extension or campus
department personnel, as needed.
Michigan State University Extension employment opportunities are open to
eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national
origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, marital status, or family status. Persons with
disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable
accommodations.
MSU Southwest
3700 E. Gull Lake Drive
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Phone: 269/671-2444
Fax: 269/671-2409
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
END 0f MI organic news for week of June 19-23
Wish you all a good week ahead!!
Vicki Morrone
Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist
Michigan State University
C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems
303 Natural Resources Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-353-3542
517-282-3557 (cell)
517-353-3834 (fax)
If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar
http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html
