Perennial Grains Gain Traction Amid Climate-Related Challenges

Bryce Black, a fourth-generation farmer from Kansas, surveyed his drought-battered wheat field and knew he had to think differently. 'It was just a grit-your-teeth-and-get-through-it type of deal,' he said, referring to the low yields due to extreme weather conditions.

Black's farm is not alone in struggling with climate-related challenges. A small number of farmers are turning to perennial grains as a solution. These crops require yearly planting and harvesting, instead, they're planted once every few years.

The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas, is working on developing perennial versions of common annual grains like wheat, sorghum, and rice. One such crop, Kernza, has been cultivated on almost 100 acres by David Mueller since 2018. It uses about a third of the fertilizer needed for wheat and can be harvested every four to five years.

While perennial grains offer several benefits, including reduced soil erosion and increased carbon sequestration, they also come with challenges. Lower yields are one major issue, as Kernza farmers are getting 20-40% of what they'd get from a wheat crop in the same area. Harvesting can be difficult due to the smaller grain size.