When it comes to ranking the most important developments in American agriculture over the past 75 years, a panel of conservationists recently placed no-till right at the top of the list.

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.

Earlier this year, Michigan became the sixteenth state in the country to confirm a case of glyphosate-resistant horseweed when it was discovered in a Christmas tree plantation.

BASF and Monsanto Company announced a long-term joint research and development and commercialization agreement in plant biotechnology that will focus on the development of high-yielding crops and crops that are more tolerant to adverse environmental conditions such as drought. The collaboration is effective immediately.