Farms.com Home   News

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.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Wheat Harvest 2026 Begins in Kansas | Gleaner S77 & Versatile 340

Video: Wheat Harvest 2026 Begins in Kansas | Gleaner S77 & Versatile 340

Wheat Harvest 2026 is underway in Kansas! Join me near Pratt, Kansas as this farm cuts their winter wheat crop with a Gleaner S77 combine while a Versatile 340 tractor and Brent 1082 grain cart keep the harvest moving.

In this video you'll see plenty of field action as the combine and grain cart work together to bring in the 2026 wheat crop.

Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe for more wheat harvest videos from Kansas and around the country throughout the 2026 harvest season!