December 18, 2007

 

Nebraskan researchers tap sunflower and rapeseed for biofuel feedstock

 

 

Farmers in Nebraska could soon be using biofuel byproducts from crops such as sunflower, rapeseed or camelina as livestock feed if research in the state yields results.

 

Currently, the focus is on corn DDGS ( Distiller Dried Grains in Solubles) being included in animal rations but that could soon change.

 

Sunflower has been a common alternative crop in Nebraska, Bill Booker of the University of Nebraska said.

 

Rapeseed and camelina, though presently not as common, are being researched in Nebraska's Panhandle Research and Extension Center for adoption to the state's climate.

 

Both sunflower and rapeseed are found to produce two times more oil per acre than soy.

 

Production-wise, most producers have the needed equipment to boost planting of such alternative crops. The center pointed out that these crops could be grown with traditional planting and harvest equipment.

 

However, the state has to resolve first limiting factors such as processing and transportation hassles- producers who are not aware of the revenue potential of these oilseed crops still opt for traditional corn and soy rotations.

 

Potential yields of irrigated sunflowers could reach 3,000 to 4,000 pounds per acre. At current and new-crop prices of 20 plus cents per pound, the return is quite high, according to the center. These crops also use less water than corn.

 

Since sunflowers have been grown for a long time in Kansas and South Dakota, Booker predicts it would grow equally well in Nebraska.

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