This paper examines energy issues within corn/soybean production as a model for understanding global energy challenges. Key challenges include the growth of biofuel production from corn and soybeans alongside rising oil and commodity prices, and the capacity of fuel infrastructure to handle increased volumes of ethanol, biodiesel, and advanced biofuels. Research is needed to lower adoption barriers for energy-conserving practices. The authors propose a landscape vision for sustainable corn/soybean systems that provides grain and biomass feedstocks for the bioenergy industry, protects water quality, reduces producer and environmental risk, and promotes biodiversity.