OUR COMMUNITY : Local Inputs

In order to make sure that Belmont maximizes its impact of the local economy, and does it in an organized way, Belmont Bio-Ag is developing formal local sourcing programs for area farmers. The long term goal is to include a supply chain network of family farms in Belmont's environmental management system, thereby ensuring that the company's commitment to environmentally sensitive agriculture gets extended throughout the supply chain.

CATTLE SOURCING

BBA's initial inventory of cattle will likely be secured through cooperation with Wisconsin lifestock cooperatives (e.g. Equity Livestock, Baraboo) and through direct contracting with private livestock producers. However, BBA intends to develop a regionally based supply system to replace cattle inventory. The characteristics of developing and managing such a system are outlined below:

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

  1. PRODUCER RECRUITMENT (Commencing immediately after permits secured):
    1. Based upon the needs of the end-user markets of BBA cattle, BBA will begin recruiting livestock producers in the local region through educational programs and recruitment calls (published and through networks).
    2. Comprehensive development of cow-calves, and feeder calves production plan and protocols. The planning process will solicit and incorporate input from both end-users and producers. Production planning, contractual issues, rations and husbandry, animal security and traceability, and environmental (nutrient management) issues will be explored and developed.
    3. BBA's supply chain management policies and practices will be developed as a result of these efforts, including contractual and financing options.
  2. OPERATION (Commencing as soon as economically and operational feasible):
    1. Cattle replacement contracts, addressing both production and delivery issues, will be developed.
    2. Strict production protocols, including but not limited to rations (feed), supplements, veterinary care, facilities and other husbandry issues will be developed and applied to all producer operations. Nutrient management plans which compliment BBA's environmental philosophy will also be expected of each producer.

Animal security, humane animal treatment, complete animal histories (traceability) and environmental stewardship will be hallmarks of the entire BBA supply system.

CORN SOURCING

Belmont Bio-Ag's corn supplies will be secured through a combination of sources and procurement programs. BBA will require a consistent and predictable supply of corn. BBA expects to rely upon the capabilities of licensed grain dealers for a large part of its procurement and supply needs. Additional corn supplies will be recruited from routine transportation of grain from southern and central Wisconsin via the U.S. Hwy 151 corridor, enroute to the terminals located at Dubuque.

BBA is also exploring options regarding direct purchasing of grains from local/regional producers. The overall grain supply-chain program is still being developed.

BBA will continue to post updates on its website as developments occur in its Local Sourcing Program.

BIOMASS SOURCING

Similar to the cattle sourcing system, BBA's biomass recruitment program will be initiated immediately upon the successful securing of both construction and operational permits. During the most severe cold weather months, BBA anticipates needing supplemental fuels to meet its campus thermal energy requirements. At this time, BBA anticipates recruiting farmers with production capacity and marginal croplands, which are not considered economically viable acreage (for conventional row crops), or underutilized pasture.

BBA intends to recruit, train and assist biomass producers establish warm season grasses (e.g. switchgrass) on marginal croplands and/or crop acreage for which the landowner desires an alternative use. BBA intends to extend long-term contracts providing equivalent income (based upon prevailing land rental prices) to landowners. Additional benefits are the strength of economic security (contract length) and the soil restoration (grasses are perennials and limited management).

BBA's utilization of biomass as a supplemental fuel source ensures its renewable energy character, provides additional economic contributions to the region and enhances BBA's own economic viability through stable, but fair, pricing.

Total acreage of biomass needed by BBA will be determined shortly.