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Canola for Fuel and Dairy Food
MEXICO - Researchers at the New Mexico State University Science Center in Clovis said canola would be a viable crop in the High Plains because it can be used for biodiesel production and as dairy feed.Assistant professor Sangu Angadi at New Mexico State University Science Center in Clovis said the use of canola is better than corn in biofuel production.
And he added that research is beginning to show that grain-based ethanol production is not as efficient as seed-based production.
Prof Angadi told CNJOnlie that 10 acres of canola can produce yields of up to 80 gallons of biodiesel per acre.
He also said growing corn for ethanol is not ideal for the High Plains area because area farmers cannot match the Midwest farmers production levels as well as a difference in the production costs between corn and canola.
Corn requires a lot of irrigation, while canola can be grown with or without irrigation.
Even though the crop can be grown for biodiesel production, the biggest advantage in this area is the large dairy industry, Prof Angadi said.
Dairies are using the canola mill to feed their cattle, and they have been importing it from Canada, Prof Angadi said.
Canola mill is a protein source that could be added into dairy feed, according to Patrick Kircher, Roosevelt County Agricultural Extension agent.
Having a locally grown source would provide the local farmers with an alternative, economical choice, Mr Kircher said.
“The dairies in the area would be happy to save money by purchasing the canola from local farmers,” Prof Angadi said.
“If the farmer does not want to produce their own biodiesel or sell it for the production of the fuel, the dairy will usually buy their entire crop.”
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