Clean Beef Co. Begins Final Design of Ammonia Recovery System

Bion Environmental Technologies Inc. (BNET:OTCQB) announced it has reached key objectives in its technology that produces fertilizer products from ammonia in livestock waste.

The agricultural tech company said it is beginning the final design process for its full-scale Ammonia Recovery Systems (ARS) at the core of its Gen3Tech system, which will produce "premium fertilizer products from the volatile ammonia in livestock waste," the company noted in a release.

"Our operational progress keeps us on track to commercialize both the technology and our sustainable beef production model," said Bion's Chief Executive Officer, Bill O'Neill said. "The demonstration at Fair Oaks has confirmed the system's state-of-the-art capabilities. The wide applicability of the ARS and its environmental benefits cannot be overstated, as livestock-related nutrient issues grow globally."

Bion's technology removes ammonia from livestock waste streams, then stabilizes and repurposes it into low-carbon and organic nitrogen fertilizers, clean water, and renewable energy. This system keeps ammonia out of the air, land, and water and saves the resource from being squandered. The process achieves this using only the compounds in the waste stream.

The company's technology also helps cattle feeders and producers create more value for their commodity through premium pricing for the sustainable brand, the company noted.

The Catalyst: Reducing Pollution

Grass-fed beef, which a new study says has a lower carbon footprint, is not the same as the corn-fed beef consumers know well. Most grass-fed beef is sold as ground because it just isn't tender or tasty enough for steaks.

To produce a sustainable cut with the flavor and texture the consumer expects from U.S. beef, requires new methods of production. Bion is leading that change with the goal of beginning to produce truly sustainable beef at scale within the next two years.

The Gen3Tech system treats the waste from the finishing facility, where cattle are corn-fed, and the vast majority of U.S. beef is produced, reducing pollution from these facilities and upcycling it into valuable fertilizer products, clean water, and renewable energy. 

Nitrogen fertilizers will create new revenues for the industry and satisfy the need to transport excess nitrogen to where it is needed, Bion noted.

Technical Analyst Clive Maund rated Bion "a Strong Buy here for all time frames" in August 2023. He said the various indicators all pointed to an imminent share price breakout and steep rally.

"Operating results to date at Fair Oaks indicate ARS performance will exceed initial expectations for ammonia recovery and economics," Bion noted.

The company said it is preparing applications to the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) and California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) for listing and certification of new organic products. Bion received an OMRI listing in 2020 for its initial product.

"Bion's patents apply to any organic waste stream where anaerobic digestion (AD) is used to produce biogas: any livestock waste; food and food processing waste; municipal wastewater; and others," the company said. "Recent trends in Michigan and California indicate an evolving regulatory focus on ammonia, nitrates, and animal waste AD. Bion’s ARS technology offers a timely solution to this problem."

Technical Analyst Clive Maund rated Bion "a Strong Buy here for all time frames" in August 2023. He said the various indicators all pointed to an imminent share price breakout and steep rally.

"This stock has the characteristic of making sudden dramatic rallies that are then followed by long periods of reaction," added Maund.

Changing Perspectives on Food Production

The agricultural technology market is worth US$21.89 billion, according to Exploding Topics. It is forecasted to grow another 98% by 2030 to US$43.37 billion. The North American ag-tech segment alone is valued at US$7.54 billion.

A major growth driver is people's "changing perspectives on the importance of how food is produced," the website noted. "Millennials especially are increasingly encouraging companies to find innovative methods of food production."

Ammonia itself "makes an indispensable contribution to global agricultural systems through its use for fertilizers," and about 70% of the supply today goes toward this end product, according to the International Energy Agency's Ammonia Technology Roadmap.

ESG and Net-Zero commitments from large public companies in the grocery, fast food, and food service sectors will also drive growth, the company said.

Livestock and meat are also on an upward trajectory, Mordor Intelligence data show that the global livestock and meat industry is projected to reach US$604.34 billion by 2028 from US$461.96 billion today, reflecting 31% growth.

Ammonia itself "makes an indispensable contribution to global agricultural systems through its use for fertilizers," and about 70% of the supply today goes toward this end product, according to the International Energy Agency's Ammonia Technology Roadmap.

The global demand for ammonia with fewer emissions is expected to increase as the population grows and becomes more affluent. However, the unintended consequences of livestock concentration show the need for large-scale nitrogen control solutions.

Ownership and Share Structure

According to Reuters, 18.25% of Bion Environmental is owned by management and insiders. President and General Counsel Mark Smith has the most out of this category at 5.25%, with 2.60 million shares. 

1.42% is with strategic investor Centerpoint Corp., with 0.70 million shares.

0.44% is held by institutions. Fisher Investments owns 0.33%, with 0.16 million, and Howard Capital Management Group LLC has 0.11%, with 0.06 million.

The rest is with retail.

Bion has a market cap of US$45.14 million. Trading over the past 52 weeks ranged from US$0.8617 per share to US$2.30.

Important Disclosures:

1. Bion Environmental Technologies Inc. has a consulting relationship with an affiliate of Streetwise Reports, and pays a monthly consulting fee between US$8,000 and US$20,000.
2. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Bion Environmental Technologies Inc..
3. Steve Sobek wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.
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