Biomass is a renewable carbon-based energy source, but development of bio-energy should not sacrifice the food and feed production for human and livestock. Current fuel ethanol feedstock primarily comes from corn grains in the United States. In cool regions of the Northern Great Plains, corn production is limited by the short growing season and cool temperature, and cereal grains and livestock are the major commodities in the region. A production system integrating grain, livestock, and bio-energy production may increase the profitability and sustainability of farms and ranches. However, technologies for production, preservation, and converting biomass (grain and/or hay) need to be developed. The objectives of this study were:1) to compare single- and double-cropping systems for grain and forage production; 2) to compare grain, straw, hay, and silage for sugar preservation and conversion. A double cropping systems consisting of winter and summer cereal forage crops was compared with the traditional single cropping for grain and straw. Yield and composition of grain, straw, and hay were compared among the cropping systems. Enzymatic conversions of grain, straw, and hay to sugars were done in a biochemical laboratory. Results exhibit potential advantage of combining livestock and ethanol production using double cropping systems in the Northern Great Plains.