The trade dispute between the United States and the European Union over biotech crops, often referred to as genetically modified organisms in Europe, now lies with the World Trade Organization. A final decision could take more than a year, with the availability of European markets to U.S. farmers at stake.

With no-till used on 55 million acres, this highly popular reduced-tillage practice turned in a dramatic increase of nearly 3.2 million acres during the past 2 years.

If they want to continue to use Bt corn, growers need to do a better job of following the rules laid down last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

When it comes to finding ways to trim costs, Plains growers are trimming tillage, seeking alternative crops, finding new ways to expand corn and soybean acres farther west, extending rotations, eliminating fallow with annual cropping and giving new herbicides a try.