Two decades ago, United Wisconsin Grain Producers, LLC (UWGP) was founded with a bold vision: to create more value from every bushel of corn. What began as a local initiative to improve grain market access, has evolved into a cutting-edge corn ethanol operation, extracting not just fuel, but a full suite of high-value co-products from every kernel.
Today, UWGP is a model of innovation in the corn ethanol industry - transforming corn fibre and distillers’ grains into oil, ethanol, and advanced co-products. The company’s mission is clear: push the boundaries of what’s possible in corn processing.
“We don’t make by-products, we make co-products”
Dan Wagner, Commodity Manager at UWGP, explains the mindset that drives their success: “We don’t think in ‘by-products’- they’re co-products. Our mission is to maximize revenue from every bushel of corn. Beyond ethanol, we produce dried and wet distillers’ grains, corn oil, a high-protein yeast-derived product, and, most recently, cellulosic ethanol by fermenting corn fibre.”
This commitment to full-kernel utilization is matched by an unwavering focus on quality. “What sets us apart is our attention to detail,” Dan continues. “We ensure that every product we ship meets the highest standards. Consistency and quality are what keep our customers coming back.”
Fermentation at the core
Fermentation is the heartbeat of the ethanol production. A single misstep in this process can ripple across the entire product line.
“If fermentation isn’t optimized, it shows up everywhere,” Dan notes. “For example, dark-colored distillers’ grains often indicate incomplete sugar conversion. That’s why we monitor fermentation closely.”
Data-driven decisions, powered by FOSS
To maintain this level of precision, UWGP relies on robust lab analytics. Lab Manager, Jason Whittier, highlights the role of real-time data in process control:
“We use the FOSS NIRS™ DS3 NIR spectrometer for rapid testing across the plant- from fermentation monitoring (sugars, ethanol, glycerol, acetic/lactic acids) to DDGS and high-protein co-products. Results are available in under three minutes, enabling fast, informed decisions.” In addition, UWGP uses the MycoFoss™ system to monitor mycotoxins in incoming corn - an essential step in ensuring feed safety. “Mycotoxins like aflatoxin can concentrate up to fivefold in DDGS,” Jason explains. “With MycoFoss, we screen for six key toxins and act quickly if levels approach thresholds. It’s about protecting our customers and our brand.”
A total solution, not just an instrument
For UWGP, partnering with FOSS means more than acquiring instruments - it’s about gaining a complete analytical ecosystem. “We don’t have a full R&D team to manage calibrations,” Jason says. “FOSS supports us with calibration development and updates. We run the reference methods, upload the data, and they handle the rest. That saves us time and ensures accuracy.”
UWGP has also adopted FOSS IQX™, a cloud-based platform that connects all FOSS instruments to a centralized dashboard.
“With IQX, we can access instrument data from anywhere - home, office, even on the road,” Jason adds. “We monitor trends, review aflatoxin results, and track instrument performance in real time. It’s a game-changer for operational visibility.”
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