The ability to separate the germ from the corn kernel prior to fermentation is one of the top priorities of dry mill facilities. The ability to crush the germ to extract corn oil represents a valuable value-added co-product for the ethanol industry. Heartland Grain Fuels, LP, a South Dakota-based dry milling facility, and the National Corn Growers Association have teamed up to host a degermination project at Heartland's Aberdeen plant. "Degerm could add value from 20 cents to 35 cents per bushel of corn processed to ethanol," said Association president-elect Lee Klein.