Processing biomass through a distributed network of small pyrolyzers has numerous advantages over the current dream of processing biomass in centralized mega-biorefineries.  The technology needed to build pyrolyzers exists today, and can be deployed immediately.  Pyrolyzers are relatively inexpensive and can be built at a much smaller scale than biorefineries.  Hence, a distributed network of small pyrolyzers would allow biomass to be processed close to where it is generated.  The bio-oil co-product of pyrolysis is a high-density energy raw material that can be conveniently shipped in a much smaller number of tanker trucks (than raw biomass) to centralized refineries for processing into various transportation fuels and co-products.  Pyrolyzers are versatile and robust.  Almost any form of biomass can be pyrolyzed, including; corn stover, timber waste, urban yard waste, garbage, and diseased animal carcasses.  Pyrolyzers can be fed large round bales, and hence are compatible with existing biomass harvesting and handling technology.  Mega-biorefineries, by contrast, require a mega-supply of clean homogeneous biomass feedstock.  To supply a mega-biorefinery with corn stover, for example, farmers will need to purchase new equipment that simultaneously harvests the grain and the stover, new equipment to ensile the stover, and new equipment to handle and ship the ensiled stover.  Thus, processing biomass through a distributed network of small pyrolyzers largely solves the biomass handling, transportation, and storage problems inherent to mega-biorefineries.  Applying the charcoal co-product of pyrolysis to agricultural soils will build soil organic matter not deplete it, return most of the plant nutrients that were in the biomass to the soil, reduce the need for lime, reduce the need for tillage, improve the ability of soils to supply water, air, and nutrients to growing crops, reduce leaching of pesticides and nutrients to surface and ground water, and permanently remove large amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere.