Area farmers invited to MSTC for fuel production event Feb. 24

Area farmers are invited to a 9 a.m. event on Feb. 24 to explore the production of fuel energy like small-scale biodiesel, ethanol and biogas from soybeans, camelina, sorghum and other local crops.  The three-hour event will be held at the Mid-State Technical College Wisconsin Rapids campus (Room I-112, 500 32nd St North).

Statewide biofuels educator and director of Wisconsin Bioenergy Services Bob Brylski will examine biodiesel, vegetable oil, and ethanol fuels.  Brenda Heinen, U.S. Department of Agriculture, will discuss rural development funding programs.  Dave Bertrand of Bertrand Van Bork & Associates will review small-scale methane digester concepts.

Brylski and John Harrod, US Freedom Biofuels, will conclude the session with quality test demonstrations and small-scale equipment demonstrations, including two 50-gallon biodiesel processors, an oilseed press, and ethanol processing.

Event registration is $20 and refreshments will be provided.  This event is supported by MSTC; Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection; and the Wisconsin Biodiesel Association.  Those interested in attending can RSVP by February 21 to Bob Brylski at 920-289-0166 or Bob@BioenergyServices.org.

Event Agenda:

9 a.m. — Bob Brylski, Wisconsin Bioenergy Services and MSTC instructor: Biofuels on the Farm; Biodiesel, Ethanol, SVO, and Biogas.

9:45 a.m. — Brenda Heinen, U.S. Department of Agriculture: USDA funding programs.

10:30 a.m. — Dave Bertrand, Bertrand Van Bork & Associates: Small-scale methane digester concepts

11:15 a.m. — Products Demonstrations:

       John Harrod, US Freedom Biofuels: Biodiesel processor.

                   Bob Brylski, MSTC: AgOilPress oil seed pressing and eFuel Microfueler ethanol fermentation

                   and distillation.

About Mid-State Technical College (MSTC)

MSTC, one of 16 colleges in the Wisconsin Technical College System, is a leading provider of higher education offering more than 50 career opportunities through associate degrees, technical diplomas and certificates. Student-focused and community-based, MSTC serves a resident population of approximately 165,000 in central Wisconsin. The College has campuses in Marshfield, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids, and a learning center in Adams. Visit the College’s website at mstc.edu.