Corn residue generates increasing interest as a source of value-added products, most notably ethanol. But before you begin to collect corn stover, it’s important to realize the value of leaving residue for your no-tilled ground. Collecting the stover might offer some no-tillers a great opportunity to pull additional income from their fields; but for others, the value of the residue is greater if it is left on the ground.

No-tillers could gain income for their crop residue as the United States seeks energy independence and relief from soaring oil prices.

This time looks like the mass production of ethanol is really going to happen, and many farmers — especially no-tillers — could prosper because the fuel can now be made from corn residue.

It took me almost 12 years to learn that you can’t dabble with no-tilling. You either have to commit 100 percent or forget about it.

Kevin Anderson figures there has had to have been a reason for tillage. “Basically, it is to size residue, incorporate fertilizer and level the fields,” he says.