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Western Illinois professor receives federal grant to research Pennycress cover crop

A Western Illinois University Professor is the recipient of a $10 million USDA grant to research Pennycress as a new cash cover crop in the Midwest.

Dr. Win Phippen tells Brownfield Pennycress is unique because it produces oil in the off season and can be used as a cover crop for corn and soybean farmers.

“Pennycress is a nitrogen scavenger, so it is going to use up any nitrogen that is left in the field after corn production.”

Researchers from four Midwest universities including Illinois State, Ohio State, University of Wisconsin-Platteville and the University of Minnesota will be a part of his research team.

“Most of our research is going to focus on how to get reliable stands into corn stubble across the whole central Midwest area.”

Phippen says there have been significant advances in varieties since Western Illinois started Pennycress research in 2009 and there are more possibilities for the crop.

“The ability to feed it to livestock, its compatibility into making better jet fuels and perhaps even making it into a food-based product.”

He says they are also working closely with CoverCress Incorporated in St. Louis to create varieties for different climates in the region.

Phippen says the goal is for CoverCress to commercially launch Pennycress in 2021.