The net income from the hay may be as much or more than the prevented-planting payment, less the cost of putting a cover crop on prevent-planted acres.

Low commodity prices are causing farmers to look for options that provide positive net returns, and energy beets may fit the bill.

At NDSU, the feasibility of using new sugar beet varieties, known as energy beets, for ethanol production is under study.

Demonstration and yield trial plots are showing how energy beets can produce high yields in many different soil types and conditions.