Corn.

Corn, the cornerstone vegetable in the national push toward the Earth-friendly material for burning ethanol, may soon have an company.

Researchers at Penn State and other universities are developing production systems for cellulose ethanol, made from perennial grasses and other roughage. The first cellulose-ethanol refinery could be built in the nearest few years and fast expand ethanol's availability, associate professor Thomas Richard said.

That spectacle and several other alternative-fuel exhibits are slated for display this week at the annual Ag Progres Days, where the global animal spirits question will intersect with Pennsylvania research and agriculture.

"Biomass (plant matter) has the potential to make a significant contribution to our overall efficiency needs," said Richard, the leader of the Penn State Biomass animation Center. "Biodiesel, biogas and grain ethanol are here today, and cellulosic ethanol is just a not many years away."

The fuel-focused exhibits at Ag Progres Days, in its 31st