Corn cobs and fiber, along with stover, are likely to remain the main focus for cellulosic ethanol research and deployment in the Midwest over the next few years, according to the National Corn Growers Association. Cellulosic ethanol is made from the woody parts of plants, rather than the more easily refined grain. Cellulosic studies are now moving from basic research to applications, the NCGA notes.

While participants in corn yield contests often try a few yield-boosting ideas that wouldn’t always prove to be profitable across their entire acreage, they also use some ideas that may work in your own no-tilled fields.