Scoular partnership creates opportunities for farmers

Homegrown renewable fuel

By Dalsy Cupp

It’s nothing new to consider the state of Kansas a leader in grain production. Now through a new partnership, Kansas State University and Scoular are using grains for more than food production — they are expanding renewable fuel markets.

Scoular, an employee-owned agribusiness that buys, sells, stores, handles and processes grain and ingredients by leveraging global networks and expertise in international trade and transportation, is recommissioning a grain processing facility near Goodland. The company will renovate the facility to crush canola and soybeans to create fuel and produce animal feed.

Michael Stamm, a K-State agronomist who has extensive canola breeding expertise, has worked closely with Scoular, university colleagues and the region’s farmers to evaluate the opportunities that the canola and soybean market can offer farmers. The facility will bolster economic prosperity in the state by adding 40 new jobs in the Goodland area and providing access to the renewable fuels market. Farmers will be able to participate in the biofuel industry in Kansas.

“I am proud to have been a part of the research that has supported the modification of this plant and am excited to see the opportunities and growth that a crush facility will make in the expanding renewable fuels industry,” said Stamm, who researches in the College of Agriculture.

Scoular provides reliable solutions to farmers, grain processors, renewable energy producers and manufacturers of animal feed, aquafeed and pet food as well as food, beverages and supplements.

“Farmers and rural communities benefit when companies like Scoular and Kansas State University, with its land-grant mission, come together and think big,” said Ed Prosser, Scoular’s senior vice president of emerging businesses. “It’s natural for Scoular to reach out to K-State for help when we bring new opportunities to the region’s ag producers.”

The efforts of Scoular and Stamm align with the goals of K-State and the university’s Economic Prosperity Plan, particularly the K-State 105 initiative, which is K-State’s answer to the call for a comprehensive economic growth and advancement solution for Kansas. See page 32 to read more about K-State 105.

“The Scoular facility is an example of how K-State can benefit the surrounding community and drive economic prosperity in all 105 counties in Kansas,” said David Rosowsky, K-State vice president for research.