August 24, 2007

Strategic planning for biofuel development in the Nebraska Panhandle will be the topic of a meeting this Monday, August 27, at the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff. Discussion will cover the complete biofuel process. WIth this information participants will identify priorities (and gaps) in using Panhandle grown vegetable oils. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and be held in the Blue Stem Room.

Discussion will cover everything from production to the final product. Those attending can offer meaningful planning and support to this new Panhandle industry, which might include development of a Panhandle biofuel planning committee.

Speakers describing the process are: 

• Loren Isom, technical assistance coordinator of the UNL Industrial Agricultural Products Center, on oil seed crush and the transterification process to produce biodiesel; and
• Bill Booker, UNL Extension Educator for Box Butte County, on agronomics of Panhandle oil seed crops

Following the presentations, participants will break up into smaller "brainstorming" sessions to discuss more specific topics and then will regroup, share their findings and identify priorities and gaps that need to be addressed.

PHREC News Release