DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Ethanol plants have a new tool to enable them to increase the amount of ethanol they produce per bushel of grain. DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred today introduced QualiTrak(SM), a new measurement and reporting system that facilitates the flow of predicted ethanol yield information to both plant personnel and corn growers.
QualiTrak is the only system that predicts and reports ethanol yield data in gallons per bushel.
"QualiTrak is a big step toward increasing the amount of ethanol that processors can get from a bushel," said Russ Sanders, marketing director, Pioneer Hi-Bred. "The system can provide processors with comprehensive comparative ethanol yield prediction data for every load of grain brought to a plant. When shared with corn growers who sell grain to the facility, this information will enable the selection of seed hybrids that can produce higher ethanol yields per bushel."
The measurement function of the QualiTrak system incorporates the Pioneer proprietary Ethanol Yield Potential calibration technology used with FOSS grain analyzers. This calibration accurately predicts ethanol yield on all commercial grain, regardless of seed source. The reporting function provides comprehensive comparative information for all loads of grain delivered to a plant. This data can help both growers and processors evaluate and compare each delivery.
"This information will help improve the economics of the ethanol industry and corn production as a result of better supply chain management," Sanders said. "QualiTrak can help plants produce more ethanol with the same amount of grain. And quality oriented farmers will have the opportunity to quantify and communicate the increased value of their crop to grain buyers."
In June, DuPont and FOSS North America announced an agreement providing Pioneer proprietary Ethanol Yield Potential calibration technology for use in FOSS grain analyzers. Pioneer is working with FOSS to make the calibration widely available to the industry.
Pioneer also plans to license its proprietary Ethanol Yield Potential calibration technology and the QualiTrak system to universities, third-party organizations, and other seed companies.
Pioneer already has evaluated its entire corn hybrid lineup for ethanol yield potential and has identified more than 180 hybrids that produce higher than average amounts of ethanol. Many of these hybrids also contain the Herculex(R) I insect protection gene for better grain quality. These high total fermentable (HTF) hybrids are being positioned with farmers near ethanol plants to provide additional marketing opportunities for the grower as well as efficiencies at the ethanol facility.
DuPont is a leader in the biofuels industry and has developed a three-part strategy that includes improving the yield of grain ethanol production through the research, technology and agronomic expertise of Pioneer Hi-Bred; developing technologies to convert cellulosic feedstocks into biofuels; and discovering new technologies to make improved biofuels with enhanced fuel properties.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.
The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont(TM), The miracles of science(TM), QualiTrak(SM) and Herculex(R) I are registered trademarks, trademarks or service marks of DuPont or its affiliates.
Contact: Pat Arthur
515-334-6515
pat.arthur@pioneer.com
DuPont
