Pennycress grows commonly throughout the USA as a winter annual. Its seeds contain more than 35% oil, as compared to 16% for soybeans. An acre of pennycress can produce 115 gallons of biodiesel, more than twice the 55 gallons by soybeans.

Planted after the fall harvest, Pennycress germinates and becomes a winter cover crop providing protection against soil erosion.

In the spring, as temperatures warm, the plant resumes growing until it bolts producing a stem with the penny-shaped seedpods that give the plant its name. Following the Pennycress harvest, soybeans can be planted.

The double cropping system of growing Pennycress followed by soybeans provides an opportunity for additional income to the grower. BMI expects to contract with producers to grow pennycress for delivery at an attractive price.

Double cropping pennycress with soybeans also avoids the food vs. fuel issue. Grown strictly as an advanced energy crop, Pennycress is not used for food nor does it compete for productive land with food crops.