So you want to go into the food business
Minnesota Public Radio features a look at AURI and how it’s been helping entrepreneurs develop and launch food products and facilitate creation of new markets for existing commodities.
February 2012
AURI unveils new look
Innovation is always looking forward, and agricultural innovation is critical to a strong economic future for our farmers and our world. We at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute are committed to leading the way in agricultural innovation. To better articulate that mission, we’ve made some exciting changes to our logo and graphics that you will notice on this web site and in other AURI materials. While we’re always committed to… Continue Reading AURI unveils new look
Alternative Energy Solutions
Idea to reality: The Kriedermacher family needed a more cost-efficient way to heat their 65,000 square-foot greenhouse, Pork and Plants. Brothers Eric and Paul decided to make biomass pellets that could be burned in boilers to heat the greenhouses. AURI’s role: AURI Scientist Al Doering worked with the Kreidermachers in AURI’s Coproducts Lab in Waseca to develop biomass pellet blends using crop residue and grasses. Outcome: The Kreidermachers now use… Continue Reading Alternative Energy Solutions
Smude’s Sunflower Oil
Idea: After the hot, dry summer of 2007 took a toll on Tom Smude’s corn and soybean crops, he learned that hardy sunflower plants could thrive in such adverse conditions, and he began to explore the idea of producing sunflower oil. AURI’s role: Nutritional analysis, product development, troubleshooting and innovation networking. Outcomes: Today, Smude’s is on shelves in major grocery chains, has a loyal customer base, is expanding its offerings to include flavor-infused sunflower… Continue Reading Smude’s Sunflower Oil
Klean Soap
Idea to reality: A Minnesota family company wanted to use recycled vegetable oil and glycerin from their small biodiesel plant to make green cleaning products. They needed help with glycerin purification and product formulation and testing. AURI’s role: AURI scientists helped purify the crude glycerin and perfect the product recipes and manufacturing process for Klean Soap. Outcome: Klean Soap now makes five all-natural cleaning products, which are being tested at… Continue Reading Klean Soap