SDSU research explores integrated beef, ethanol production systems

The Prairie Star
Thursday, June 17, 2010 10:07 AM MDT

SDSU researchers studied the impact of integrating production systems that involve ethanol, corn production and cattle. The researchers have a fact sheet that explains their findings.

BROOKINGS, S.D. - South Dakota State University research suggests there's an economic opportunity for corn producers willing to explore integrated production systems that will background beef calves while producing corn to supply ethanol plants.

The numbers based on regional data suggest corn farmers in South Dakota and neighboring states using such integrated production systems can produce 383 gallons of ethanol per acre from their corn crop, as well as backgrounding 760 pounds of beef. The linked production system is also better for soil sustainability and will help the producer's bottom line by saving on fertilizer costs.

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