Since it is an even-numbered year, that means the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Utilization and Technology Conference (CUTC) will be held this year.

The 2012 CUTC agenda features cutting-edge technologies and new uses that are positioned change the corn industry. Among the session topics is Advance Biofuels, which will highlight some of the most recent research on advanced biofuels. Speakers will cover thermochemical and biochemical and biomimetic routes to the pretreatment and hydrolysis of lignocellulosics (such as corn fiber hulls, corn stover, etc.) to produce sugar and phenolic monomers that can be further upgraded to synthetic fuels, bioethanol, and/or chemicals.

Technical sessions will also focus on the future of Biorefineries, which will be critical in replacing products that have traditionally been produced using fossil fuels. Recent technical and engineering advances in the production of renewable fuels and bio-based chemicals will be discussed as well as the development of next generation biofuels such as Biobutanol.

“We are proud of CUTC’s position as the premier corn technology conference in the United States and of the many learning opportunities that we will offer,” said NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team Chair DeVonna Zeug. “But the conference offers much more including incredibly important networking opportunities. By exchanging ideas with people who have common interests, we create the hybrid of new technology and new ideas.”

Registration is now open for CUTC, which will be held this year at the Westin Indianapolis in downtown Indianapolis, Ind., June 4-6.