The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and Michigan Corn Growers Association recently launched a new section on the Michigan Corn Web site, focused specifically on heating with corn. The site has been designed to provide the information consumers need regarding the corn heating industry. To access the site, visit www.micorn.org and click on the "Heating with Corn" link.

The website is a collection of information to aide visitors in deciding whether to use corn heat and how to find more information before making a final purchasing decision. "The corn heating industry has been rapidly expanding and the CMPM and MCGA have played an active role in providing information to consumers," says Jody E. Pollok, CMPM and MCGA executive director. "This new website provides an additional outlet for consumers to learn more about utilizing the natural heat from America's renewable resource – Corn."

The site includes information regarding corn heating unit manufacturers and dealers that are participating in the MCGA educational campaign. These companies are partnering with the MCGA to help advance the industry by studying stove emissions, efficiency standards and ways to effectively and efficiently communicate with consumers on the benefits of heating with corn.

Visitors to the site will be able to navigate easily through hot topics such as how corn heating units work, the economics and benefits of using corn heat, where to purchase units, questions to ask before making a purchase, and grant opportunities. "The goal of the website is to allow visitors to easily find basic information on corn heat and answer some of the general questions we hear from consumers and growers alike," adds Pollok.

"Certainly the hottest topics in the industry deal with emissions and efficiencies of the units," said Pollok. The CMPM is currently funding research to address these topics. "Once this research has been completed, it will be placed on the website so consumers have all the information and can make comparisons to traditional heating methods such as propane, natural gas, or wood," noted Pollok.

Visitors to the site can also find places to purchase corn specifically for corn heating units. In order to provide consumers with an outlet to purchase corn that has been cleaned and dried, which helps units work more efficiently, the CMPM has compiled a listing of corn growers and companies who are selling corn for corn heating units. If you or anyone you know is selling corn for corn heating units, contact the CMPM to be included in the listing.

New enhancements are regularly being added to the site to increase the information available and the data will be updated regularly. Visitors are encouraged to bookmark the site and visit it often.

Headquartered in DeWitt, the CMPM is a legislatively-established statewide program that utilizes one-cent per bushel of Michigan corn sold. Investments are made in the areas of research, education, market development, and new uses in an effort to enhance the economic position of Michigan corn producers. CMPM works cooperatively with the Michigan Corn Growers Association, a grassroots-membership association representing the state's corn producer's political interests. For more information on the CMPM and the MCGA, visit the web site at www.micorn.org.