The Ag and Energy Center at Central Lakes College, Staples, continues to draw interest from those pursuing renewable energy solutions for tomorrow while building the green economy of the United States. Recently the Center attracted a visit from R.T. Rybeck, mayor of Minneapolis, representing agencies and organizations and governmental leaders supporting current U.S. energy policies. He surveyed the marginal cropland on which researchers at Staples have begun to produce fuel and livestock feed from oilseed crops. Straight vegetable oil is already powering diesel-using farm equipment at the Center with plans to expand its use as a cleaner, homegrown source. Also, Lakeland Public TVhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81prCinv-mE&feature=player_embedded
and the Brainerd Dispatch
http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2012-10-15/clc-ag-center-bio-fuels-project-going-grain
have reported success from experiments in partnership with entities such as Anderson Bros. Construction and the Pillager-based Crow Wing Feeders.
CLC images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58518185@N04/
