AgEnergy Newswire

Missouri co-op concentrates on powerful pellets

Section 9006 (REAP) grant recipient Flick Seed Co. puts incentives to good use pioneering a new source for fuel. These grass pellets fuel home heating and local power production.

Switchgrass as fuel touted for energy, cost benefits

Switchgrass grown on marginal farm acreage could be an efficient renewable fuel source while also protecting wildlife habitat and water quality, according to "Growing Wisconsin Energy," a study by Agrecol Corp.

The study produced by the Madison-based seed company with a grant from the state Department of Agriculture found that converting native grasses into renewable fuel could be a profitable enterprise for farmers and a relatively inexpensive fuel source for businesses and schools.

Rising energy costs hit farmers, ranchers hard

"The costs for fuel and other energy-related expenses are offsetting good grain and cattle prices for farmers and ranchers, particularly those who live long distances from nearby towns, according to Boyd Waara, vice president of First National Bank of Philip, and John Johnson, president of First Western Bank in Sturgis.

Waara said the high grain prices may be temporarily masking higher fuel costs. The full pain of the high fuel costs likely will be felt later when grain prices drop, he said."