Kansas Farmers Turn to Perennial Grains Amid Rising Weather Extremes

Extreme weather events like drought and intense rainfall are becoming increasingly common for farmers in Kansas. Bryce Black, a fourth-generation farmer from Beloit, has seen firsthand how these conditions can devastate crops. His winter wheat harvest was his lowest since taking over the family farm in 2017, with yields affected by a dry winter and spring.

Black is not alone in searching for ways to build resilience against extreme weather. A small number of farmers are turning to perennial grains, which can help withstand drought and excess water due to their deeper root systems.

One such farmer is David Mueller, who planted a 12-acre Kernza field five years ago. Kernza is a perennial grain that doesn't require yearly planting, harvesting, and replanting like annual crops do. Its roots can access water deeper in the ground, making it more drought-resistant.

The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas, has been working on developing perennial versions of common grains like wheat, rice, and sorghum. Kernza is one of the most advanced, with 3,511 acres cultivated in the U.S. last year. Mueller uses Kernza to rebuild soil with drainage issues or reestablish organic matter on his family's farm.

While perennial grains offer several benefits, including reduced fertilizer use and increased carbon sequestration, they also come with challenges. They have lower yields than annual crops, which can make them less attractive to farmers looking for maximum returns.