Evaluation of Camelina sativa as an alternative seed crop and feedstock for biofuel and developing replacement heifers.

Project Overview

SW07-049
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2007: $155,000.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2011
Region: Western
State: Wyoming
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Bret Hess
Email
University of Wyoming

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Agronomic: general oil crops

Practices

  • Crop Production: tissue analysis
  • Education and Training: demonstration, display, extension
  • Farm Business Management: budgets/cost and returns, feasibility study, agricultural finance
  • Production Systems: agroecosystems
  • Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities, sustainability measures

    Abstract:

    Average yield of dryland camelina near Lingle, WY (371 lbs/ac) was less than in Montana (1,297 lbs/ac). Average winter wheat following camelina yielded 13% (MT) to 30% (WY) less than average yield of winter wheat following summer fallow. Camelina oil was utilized for on-farm biodiesel production and use in Otto, WY. Camelina coproducts (meal and crude glycerin) were determined to be suitable replacements for conventional corn-soybean meal supplements for developing replacement beef heifers. However, the economics for a single farm or small cooperative to adopt a dryland camelina-based production system are not compelling at this time.

    Project objectives:

    Objective I: Evaluate field production of camelina in Montana and Wyoming.

    Objective II: Evaluate camelina oil for production of biodiesel.

    Objective III: Evaluate camelina co-products in diets of developing replacement beef heifers.

    Objective IV. Evaluate the ecological impact and economic potential of: (a) replacing camelina for fallow; (b) utilizing camelina as a feedstock for biodiesel; and (c) including camelina co-products in diets of developing replacement beef heifers.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.