New Free Resource on Feeding Distillers Grains

A free downloadable book is available from Iowa State on feeding distillers grains to livestock and poultry. It can be accessed at the link below.

MATRIC Publishes Book on Feeding Distillers Grains

Potential Use for Ethanol Coproduct

I'm not sure how I feel about this. Cattle feeders are struggling with high feed prices and DDGs are part of their answer. If there is increased demand for DDGs as a fertilizer, it further pressures feed prices.

ARS and Seed Company Examine Commercial Potential of Ethanol Coproduct

By Jan Suszkiw
July 10, 2008

Studies by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have shown that dried distiller's grains (DDGs)—coproducts of corn ethanol production—have potential as an organic fertilizer and for weed control. But some ethanol producers are adopting new corn-grinding methods that may affect the DDGs' usefulness.

To further study DDGs, ARS plant...(complete article here).

New Variety of Barley is Released

USDA's ARS releases a new variety of Barley.

"Clearwater": An Eco-Friendly Feed Barley

By Marcia Wood
June 5, 2008

A new barley that benefits the environment as well as farm animals has been developed by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their colleagues.

"Clearwater" hulless barley is...(complete news release here).

Organic Dairy Feed Supply Issues

I am not a big fan of "organic" foods. There is no way we will feed the world's population on "organically" grown products. However, it is a growing portion of food production. There is a misperception among certain segments of the population that it is healthier. I'm not so sure of that.

Organic dairies test supply of feed


By SHANNON DININNY, Associated Press Writer
Fri Dec 21, 5:20 AM ET

YAKIMA, Wash. - It comes as no surprise to anyone that the number of organic farms is booming to meet consumer demand for healthy food. In Washington, a state known more for its apples than any other crop, there are 45 organic dairies. Five years ago, there were just two.

The challenge has been feeding all of those cows.

Acreage of organic forage, such as hay and alfalfa, has grown 40 percent in the past two years, yet isn't keeping pace with demand. In particular, high-protein crops like soybeans that are necessary feed for dairy cows are in short supply in some regions, forcing some companies to import them from as far away as China.

Given the recent problems with food and ingredient imports from...(complete article here).