West Central Research and Outreach Center

The Office of the Vice President for Research has announced the winners for the Research Technical Staff Award, which recognizes staff for their distinguished service to the U of MN research community and celebrates exemplary leadership that positively impacts their colleagues and advance the U's mission. Eric Buchanan, Renewable Energy Director at the WCROC, was selected as one of five distinguished recipients.

(Farm Equipment) As scientists search for cleaner methods of producing nitrogen (N) fertilizer, they increasingly look to replace the century-old method of treating natural gas with high-pressure steam to produce anhydrous ammonia - the backbone of most forms of agricultural N products. Wind-powered ammonia production has the potential to offset fall energy demands of grain drying and ventilation for agricultural operations.

(AgWeek) Kelp as a feed additive for cows isn't exactly new, but it is getting some new attention for its potential to help fight climate change. In June, the WCROC began a research project to measure the methane emissions from their grazing dairy herd with the use of kelp in the diet.