The Arbuckle Native Seedster's patented technology 'plucks' seeds from grass species which have proven difficult to harvest by combines or strippers. Seedster technology was developed to harvest native grasses for reclamation of lands damaged by natural disasters (fires, floods, etc) or industrial use (mining, highway construction, etc); and for restoration of native grass stands for wildlife cover and soil conservation. Native Seedsters, Inc just completed a three year study of 197 species of native grass that are commercially sold, in order to describe and analyze the characteristics that affect harvestability. The results of this study will be posted on this website to aid producers and the public to assess the harvestability of a species and to understand the benefits of a Native Seedster.
The new two-module Native Seedsters™ (7’ 8” harvest width) with a front hopper will be demonstrated on seed farms in the Heart Mountain area near Powell, WY in mid July. Date and species to be harvested are being arranged with Wyoming seed producers. Five grass or forb species will be ready to harvest. More information will follow. Contact Mark Majerus at 406-294-2995 or info@nativeseedsters.com.
Native Seedsters supports the promise of cellulosic ethanol to relieve market pressures on the food supply that results from corn produced ethanol. Currently we are developing a specialized Seedster so producers can harvest switchgrass seed to plant this next generation alternative to fossil fuels. Switchgrass has shown itself to be a very efficient feedstock to produce ethanol using cellulosic conversion. (Dr. Ken Vogel, USDA/ARS, National Academy of Science Proceedings, Jan 2008) The favorable energy balance and the reduced greenhouse gas emissions of switchgrass for cellulosic conversion promises to lead to millions of acres of profitable switchgrass production.
NSI was just awarded a USDA SBIR grant to test the feasibility of Seedster technology to harvest two other promising sources of feedstock for biofuel, the oilseeds camelina and canola. Camelina is adapted to semi-arid dryland areas. Native Seedsters, Inc is committed to energy independence and the Seedster has positioned itself as the most productive seed harvester for the task.
Seedster technology has the potential to harvest seed of specialty crops and wildflowers, some of which are hand harvested. In the face of particularly difficult plants, the Seedster's adaptability opens alternatives to discovery. The Seedster frees the market to diversify into other viable seed production.
