Ethanol Meets Innovation at Aztalan Bio

MID-WEST FARM REPORT - MADISON

Aztalan Bio, a leading ethanol producer, has made significant strides in refining its processes, according to CEO Jeff Oestmann. As the corn harvest comes in early this year, Oestmann notes that the crop's dry quality is beneficial. "Corn is coming out of the field very dry, which is great for maintaining the quality of the harvested grain," he says.

One of the key innovations at Aztalan Bio is their use of front-end dry fractionation, which sets them apart from other ethanol facilities. Oestmann explains, "This method allows us to separate all the constituents of the corn before it enters the distillation process, which results in a high-protein, low-fat product that is perfect for dairy rations." This process also allows them to produce corn germ, a byproduct that is valuable in poultry and livestock feed.

Additionally, the facility produces a wet distiller’s grain that also has high protein and low fat, beneficial for dairy and beef rations. "Farmers have responded positively to the quality of our dry distillers grains and other byproducts," Oestmann shares. "We've been in operation for about a year now, and the feedback has been great. The high fiber aspect of our product feeds well, and we are expanding our reach to areas further from our facility."

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