Perennial Grains Gain Traction in Kansas Amid Extreme Weather

Bryce Black's family farm in Beloit, Kansas, has been dealing with extreme weather conditions. Last year's drought left his wheat crop severely impacted, leading to the lowest yield since he took over in 2017.

Black is considering a new approach: perennial grains. Unlike annual crops, which require planting and harvesting every year, perennials can be planted once every few years and can help build resilience against extreme weather.

The Land Institute is working to develop perennial versions of common annual grains like wheat, sorghum, and rice. Kernza is a type of perennial grain that has shown promise in reducing soil erosion and improving yields. Researchers say its root system can access water deeper in the ground, making it more resistant to drought.

David Mueller started planting Kernza on his farm five years ago and has seen benefits, including reduced fertilizer use and lower labor costs. However, perennial grains are still in their early stages of development, and one major challenge is their lower yields compared to annual crops.