Features Biodiesel Bioenergy
Producing bioproducts to save money

June 2, 2009

Newton Ontario –A two-day hands-on workshop exploring practical methods for Ontario growers to gain value from their soybean crop by making their own feed and fuel is being offered June 11 and 12. The event is being organized by a number of different agecies, including the Canadian International Grains Institute (CIGI) and Energrow Inc., with support from Soy 20/20 and Perth Community Futures Development Corporation. Several private sector businesses are also involved.

Growers will learn about exploring options for on-farm oil pressing, how to use the expeller soybean meal –a byproduct of pressing –in feed rations, how to use straight oil as a fuel or in other on-farm applications and how to access funding and other support and partnership opportunities. Participants will also tour Hofarm Ltd., a working on-farm oil pressing facility.

An interactive lab session on the second day will allow participants to produce their own biodiesel, as well as learn about local biodiesel opportunities and focus on the economics of the product. Second day speakers include representatives from Ontario Co-op, Everpure Biodiesel
Co-op, and OMAFRA. 

Converted engines running on straight oil and biodiesel rated tractors will be showcased.

An advanced biodiesel course is available on June 13 for growers interested in working with high free fatty acid oil, learning about plant design and exploring biodiesel testing procedures.

The course will run from 8:30 – 4:30 on June 11 and 8:30 – 5:00 on June 12 at the Energrow Demonstration Facility, 7389 Road 128, Newton, Ontario, near the village of Milllbank, northeast of Stratford. The cost is $25 for Day 1, $100 for Day 2, or $120 for both days of the value-adding workshop.  The advanced biodiesel course is $200. All registrations include lunch, snacks and drinks.

Pre-registration required by June 9, 2009 as space is limited. To register, contact Energrow Inc. at 519-595-8299 or visit www.cigi.ca.