Plant Growth Regulators, sometimes simply called PGRs, are human-applied chemicals that manipulate the hormone functions in plants. Since oats are more prone to lodging compared to other small grains, PGR application can help prevent yield loss by reducing plant height and improving plant standability and harvestability.

Looking for a new cover crop to seed this summer? Penn State Extension experts offers several options including sudangrass, pearl millet, sun hemp, buckwheat and more.

Researchers at Western Illinois University, Illinois State University, and several other institutions are in the midst of studying the viability of pennycress as a cash cover crop for farmers. Win Phippen, Director of the Alternative Crops Research program at Western, is excited about the progress they’re making.