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Research on pennycress aims to go from weed to cash crop

Researchers are helping Midwest farmers explore what crops they might add to a traditional corn-soybean rotation. Pennycress is being studied for its potential to grow as a cash crop between soybeans and corn.

Illinois State University crop scientist and researcher Nicholas Heller showed farmers on tour at ISU’s University Farm in Lexington Aug. 15 some things learned, so far, about growing pennycress here.

This research is just part of the 440-acre crop and livestock farm in Lexington that welcomes about 3,000 visitors a year and helps educate 420 ISU ag students annually, said ISU agricultural professor Rob Rhykerd on the field day sponsored by the Illinois Soybean Association.

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From Dry to Thrive: Forage Fixes for Future Fortitude

Video: From Dry to Thrive: Forage Fixes for Future Fortitude

Presented by Christine O'Reilly, Forage & Grazing Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA).

Prolonged dry weather impacted many regions of Ontario in 2025. With the growing season behind us, how can livestock farmers set their forage crops up for success next year? This session covers the short-term agronomy to bounce back quickly, as well as exploring options for building drought resilience into forage systems for the future.

The purpose of the Forage Focus conference is to bring fresh ideas and new research results to Ontario forage producers across the ruminant livestock and commercial hay sectors