Opportunities for custom work in the biomass industry are already here, says University of Kentucky forage specialist Ray Smith.

“When you're dealing with crops that people aren't used to planting, whether it's switchgrass or some of the other native grasses that have seed that is a little different than normal forage seed … people don't have the equipment,” says Smith. “I see that as an opportunity right away.

“If somebody is already doing a lot of custom planting and is looking at buying some new equipment, if he bought a seeder that could handle a range of grass seed, that would allow him to move into the biofuel market as it comes open,” he adds.