Land Policy Institute - Ask the Expert Forums

Taylor · 03-17-2009 2:46 am

We hear a lot about the potential for biofuels to boost the Michigan economy. And we have seen lots of legislative initiatives, millions of dollars in research, and countless presentations and press releases touting developments in this area.

I work with beginning farmers. And I have a potential new farmer who is interested in investing in a farm operation growing switchgrass or one of the other new biofuel crops we keep hearing about.

I have found very little practical information about how to grow these crops, whether anyone is buying them, and what the economics of production are.

Is this something that is still a pipe dream? If not, where can I get information on production/sales of this crop.

Are these crops being produced in Michigan. If so, then by and for whom?

Is this something that a small/midsized farmer could do, or is it just an alternative to growing hundreds of acres of corn or soybeans?

Where can I get this kind of information?

warbach · 04-01-2009 9:23 am

My impression is that researchers are rapidly developing the science around switchgrass for bio-fuel use, but that there is not yet a facility that is available to take the crop and distill it. There are facilities for converting corn to ethanol. A facility in the U.P. is going to be built to convert wood to ethanol for wood harvested in that region. Dr. Kurt Thelen at MSU, https://www.msu.edu/~thelenk3/, is probably the most up-to-date on this. Try contacting his grad assistant, Stephanie Smith at: smith579@msu.edu. Although Steve Pueppke, pueppke@anr.msu.edu, head of the Michigan Agriculture Experiment Station may also be able to advise.

Last edited by warbach (04-01-2009 9:27 am)

Land Policy Institute - Ask the Expert Forums

#1 03-17-2009 2:46 am

What is the real potential for biofuel farming?

#2 04-01-2009 9:23 am

Re: What is the real potential for biofuel farming?

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