Researchers from 13 USDA Agricultural Research Service locations, state universities and the U.S. Department of Energy are finishing the second season of field studies in a 5-year project to determine where, when and how much stover can be harvested for ethanol use without harming the soil.

The ethanol boom that has already increased corn prices could possibly help no-tillers even more in the future by reducing their need for herbicides.

Pipes can be mounted on the front edge of a planter to act as a lean bar to knock down corn stalks and reduce the amount of residue catching on planter components, says Paul Jasa, an agricul-tural engineer for the University of Nebraska.

A new formulation of paraquat herbicide from Syngenta Crop Protection has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. Syngenta says Gramoxone Inteon sets a higher industry standard for protection of users, provides control as effective as Gramoxone Max in burndown and harvest aid uses, and offers an effective alternative to glyphosate.

BASF, the chemical company most widely known for its ongoing “We make it better” TV commercials, owes U.S. farmers $52 million for making it dishonestly.