Presentation summarizes learning process for farmers harvesting biomass for POET's Project LIBERTY (cellulosic ethanol). Farmers in 2010 harvested 56,000 tons of corn cobs, leaves, husks and some stalk.

1. Cob Baling Learning year with learning curves PBM witnessed both the “Right” and “Wrong” way to cob bale Over communication and education between producer and PBM was critical Still have many things to learn

2. Early Learning's - Baling All biomass in baler’s path removed. Black strips can be seen up and down the field.

3. Early Learning’s – Baling Tine marks can be see in the dirt due to the balers pickup being run to low. Large amounts of dirt can be see in the bale samples due to low baler pickup heights.

4. After Discussions with Producers Many producers called to make sure they were doing the procedure right Multiple farm visits were preformed by the PBM-EMM Staff (Alan & Eric) Clarification was made on the material wanted (Many producers were not on the same page as POET) “You just want cob and husks, right?” “You don’t want me to leave any cobs behind, right” “It sure seems like I am leaving a lot behind?”

5. Post Discussion/ Correct Operations Residue is still left in the baler’s path. It is hard to see where a baler even went.

6. With the pickup set right some cob and leaf material are left, but no tine marks meaning no to little dirt. Bale samples are free of dirt and clean. Post Discussion/ Correct Operations

7. Overview Many producers started by running the baler pickup too low Many were then concerned with leaving too much behind when the baler pickup was raised Clarification on what POET’s desired feedstock to the producer was a key step When baling was done according to SOP, many landlords were pleased with the level of residue removed and gave their blessing to collect cob bales on their land This year provided the learning year we planned on and hope it will minimize the learning curve need by producers in future years Alan Keller and Eric Bruhn did a great job working with producers and helping to educate them to the desired practices and on any questions the producer had