MSUE adds two new bioeconomy positions

Mark Seamon, former Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) agricultural educator in Saginaw County, is now a bioeconomy innovations counselor for the MSU Product Center. He is charged with helping develop businesses that will help replace or reformulate current petroleum-based products, including ethanol, biodiesel, plastics, textiles, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

"Mark’s experience working with biomass heat sources, such as corn and wood chips, has helped to prepare him for this important position," said Tom Coon, MSUE director. "And this position is a perfect match for a state that is looking for alternative energy sources."

Dennis Pennington recently accepted a new position as an MSUE biofuels educator. From his office at the Kellogg Biological Station, Pennington will help carry new information and technologies to the farm level, and will help inform the public about energy use and opportunities for the bioeconomy.

"If farmers are expected to supply the bioeconomy with new and relevant products, they will need to be educated and involved in field testing new crops and production practices. That’s where Dennis comes in," said Coon.