Modeling the profitability of Camelina Sativa as a biofuel feedstock in eastern Colorado
Date
2012
Authors
Brandess, Andrew, author
Keske, Catherine, advisor
Hoag, Dana, advisor
Davies, Stephen, committee member
Johnson, Jerry, committee member
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Abstract
This study evaluates the economic feasibility of growing Camelina Sativa as a biofuel feedstock on farms in northeastern Colorado. Camelina Sativa is an oilseed feedstock that can be used to generate straight vegetable oil that has the potential to displace a large percentage of the diesel fuel used by farmers. Offsetting significant portions of diesel fuel allows for a hedge against disruptions in the supply of diesel fuel, as well as unexpected diesel fuel price hikes. This helps ensure the continuation of the food system. The specific intention of this study is to evaluate the likelihood of economic profitability for a farmer who chooses to integrate camelina in the preexisting crop rotation cycle common in northeastern Colorado. This economic evaluation is measured against various per gallon diesel fuel price levels. The crop rotation cycle includes a corn planting, a fallow period, and a wheat planting. Camelina is grown exclusively during the fallow portion of the rotation and will not be grown at a time when commodity crops would otherwise be grown.
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Subject
biodiesel
Camelina
biofuels
diesel
energy
oilseeds