Cooperative turns biomass into renewable energy

High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal
By Doug Rich

In January 2007 High Plains Journal featured a story about the Show Me Energy Cooperative in Centerview, Mo. At that time the farmer-owners of this unique cooperative were still conducting an equity drive to raise enough funds to begin their venture. Their goal was to produce an alternative energy source from renewable biomass resources in central Missouri.

Their equity drive was a success and so is their venture into alternative fuels. Today Show Me Energy Cooperative is in full production, manufacturing pellets from a wide range of biomass resources. The pellets they produce are being used by a coal-fired power plant, poultry producers in southern Missouri, and as a home heating source.

"We are still learning a lot of things, but I think the timeline was perfect for us," Steve Flick, chairman of the board at the cooperative, said. "Our mission was clear and focused."

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