Pressure to increase corn production to meet growing demand for ethanol, exports, and other uses means shifting of acreage from other crops, disrupting rotations and upsetting markets for other crops. A more agronomically sound approach would focus on increasing yields on current acreage. Demand for corn will likely continue to increase for several years, further underscoring the need to increase yield rather than acreage. Both approaches will likely be used in the foreseeable future. Genetic and bioengineering solutions will be help increase corn yield, but they will not be the total answer. Full realization of the potential of new hybrids, with multi-stacked traits for pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, nutrient use efficiency, and other yield components, will be possible only if production practices are also revised to support the higher yields. Plant populations and row spacings, and nutrient rates, timing, and placement will need to be fine-tuned. As yield goals increase, fewer combination of practices will produce those yields. Agronomic science must be used to determine the best combinations. If projections to double U.S. average corn yields in the next 15 years are to be realized, production research to learn the best combinations of practices will be essential. That is the only way increased demand for corn for ethanol will be met, without adversely affecting the supplies needed for livestock feed, exports, and other current uses. Boosting our applied production research program is the only way acreage for other crops and for conservation uses can be maintained, and the only way natural resources can be protected. Research and education programs to implement the best technology into complete management systems is vital to protect resources, maintain profitability, and boost productivity to meet growing world-wide demand for food, feed, fiber, and fuel. It is a great time to be an agronomist!