Innovative Thinking ⋅ Page 13

Going Green on the Farm

An MU-directed project will help animal farmers buy efficient equipment, learn energy-saving techniques

Saving energy is a great way to reduce costs in agriculture operations. Upfront equipment expenditures or a lack of knowledge about best conversion practices can be obstacles to implementing improvements, however. To help Missouri animal farmers go green and save money, a team made up of the University of Missouri (MU), Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), and EnSave, Inc., will partner to provide energy audits, loans, interest buy downs, rebates and grants to retrofit energy-saving equipment.

The Cottonwood Solution

MU agroforestry 'flood lab' research shows how trees can substitute for crops in flood-prone areas

Cottonwoods are among the fastest growing trees in North America and mature in as little as two years. They can be sold for biomass, rough-cut lumber for home framing and high-quality lumber for cabinets. Their short and fine cellulose fibers also make them an excellent paper source. Extracts from their fragrant buds are used in perfumes and cosmetics.

Chews Like Chicken

A heart healthy soy meal may be getting a little more satisfying

Fu-Hung Hsieh is finishing a project to create a soy product that looks, feels, pulls apart and, most importantly, chews like real chicken.

Educational technology the easy way

Coursework podcasted with automation

Most educators agree that making coursework available to students through podcasting improves learning. The problem is that instructors must devote significant work time in creating the audio files, videos and other instructional materials to be shared.