A Western Illinois University Professor is the recipient of a $10 million USDA grant to research Pennycress as a new cash cover crop in the Midwest.
Dr. Win Phippen tells Brownfield Pennycress is unique because it produces oil in the off season and can be used as a cover crop for corn and soybean farmers.
“Pennycress is a nitrogen scavenger, so it is going to use up any nitrogen that is left in the field after corn production.”
Researchers from four Midwest universities including Illinois State, Ohio State, University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the University of Minnesota will be a part of his research team.
