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It is important to acknowledge that Konza Prairie is itself named for the Kaw Nation people, whose homelands are the prairies. In addition to identifying and developing perennial food crops, The Land Institute and our partners also conduct ecological intensification research in order to put those crop plants into diverse systems, striving to obtain sustainability features similar to those of native and natural ecosystems. Basically, when it comes to the health of his fields, Fernholzs philosophy is to let the soil live as naturally as possible. UMNs first Kernza variety, MN-Clearwater, was developed at the UMN in 2011. Interested growers should reach out to other growers and early market partners to proactively plan for marketing your crop. You can apply to become a registered Kernza grower here. He doesnt use commercial fertilizers. A global research collective is improving seed and investigating the ecological and social impacts of Kernza grain. When it comes to Kernza, think flavor. But University of Iowa economist Silvia Secchi says that, for Kernza to actually replace the grains we grow now, well need to see major changes to the U.S. farm bill first. In 2008, it began to be domesticated by a nonprofit called the Land Institute as a grain suitable for human consumption. These individual plants are then cross-pollinated, and the resulting seeds are planted to produce the next improved breeding population. Director of Crop Improvement/Lead Scientist, Kernza Domestication Program, Marty Christians Others are attracted to the ease of controlling weeds without herbicides or tillage (once the stand is established). In this vein, UC SAREP is part of a recently awarded $10 million grant from USDA focusing on the adoption of a perennial grain, Kernza, as a means to shift U.S. agriculture towards reduced tillage and increased carbon sequestration. about 2019 Kernza Conference Presentations, 2019 Perennial Grain International Research Meeting, Nitrate leaching losses and the fate of 15N fertilizer in perennial intermediate wheatgrass and annual wheat A field study, Agronomic assessment of two populations of intermediate wheatgrass-Kernza (Thinopyrum intermedium) in temperate South America. In order to continue this transition from research to farm to plate, weve launched a resource that serves as the definitive source of information about growing, accessing, and using Kernza perennial grain. Four breeding programs are focused on selecting for a number of traits including yield, shatter resistance, free threshing ability, seed size, and grain quality. It's related to annual wheat and has previously been grown throughout the U.S. as food for livestock. A new supply chain business, Perennial Foods, is bringing Kernza grain and flour direct to consumers and wholesale buyers across the US. Although the characteristics of the finished product vary based on the protein content, it can be used in the same culinary applications as other cereal grains (wheat, barley, rye). This means Kernza has the potential to become of the most sustainable and efficient crops of the modern age. Any recommendations for a farmer who might want to try this? Valentin Picassos career has taken him across two continents and always from the ground up. A revolutionary new grain called Kernza is igniting a movement to feed the world while restoring damaged soils and protecting groundwater from nitrogen pollution. Their pioneering efforts resulted in some of the most innovative Kernza recipes we have ever tasted. When grain sold under the Kernza name is used in a product, the product manufacturer also has the right to use the Kernza name to describe the product if they choose to enter into a licensing agreement. In addition to its use as feed for livestock and its environmental benefits, it also serves as a grain crop, weed fighter, and money saver, all of which is boosting its popularity among farmers. Through a partnership with The Land Institute, The University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative, and the Artisan Grain Collaborative, we are excited to invite you to participate in culinary research through a new Citizen Science Experiment. Funders Kernza grain is a new crop in development: learn how it is funded, and how you can make a difference. Our Cornbread recipe is another example of a balance between sweet and savory. For harvesting, you can use a small grain combine. Perennial Pantry is actively working to reduce this imperfection, but for now it is just a fun bonus. Today, annual crops account for roughly 80% of the human populations food calories and the vast majority of planted croplands worldwide. Look closely and you can see bits of the outer shell (bran), along with varying color shades of the flour itself. Protein content is high but variable. Are you a curious eater interested in joining the perennial revolution? Nutritional values and use of Kernza. At what point can we expect perennial grain crops to be as productive as annual grain crops? If you are a grower and already have a relationship with a Kernza grain researcher, please submit your application to become a registered Kernza grower along with details about your research involvement here. In general, vitamin, mineral, and amino acid profiles are somewhat similar to wheat, with only a few striking differences. 4 min read. project is led by Jacob Jungers of the University of Minnesota. Kernza has a sweet, nutty flavor and can be used as a whole grain, ground into flour, malted, or directly added to beer and whiskey.. What do we know about Kernza's soil fertility needs? People are very excited [about] perennial grains, said Tim Crews. Kernza has been developed over the last several decades by the Rodale Institute, The Land Institute, and the University of Minnesotas (UMN) Forever Green Initiative. In the last 25 years, federal crop insurance payouts to farmers who lost crops due to drought and flooding more than tripled. Some argue that Kernzas many benefits threaten to turn it into a monocrop like bamboo or palm oil. For him, Kernza is exciting not only because its better for the earth, but also because he hopes it can give more farmers a viable entry point to grain farming. Combine the active sourdough starter and water and stir until well combined. If you are a researcher, please submit an inquiry and provide details about your research here. Now back in the Midwest, he is intrigued by the ways sustainable agricultural methods, such as the use of perennial crops (those that can be harvested year after year), can build resilience to worldwide threats like climate change. For others, its the excitement of participating in something really new, and having the potential to reap economic benefits if they can be successful early adopters. Devorah is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. The project team includes researchers, farmers, educators, industry leaders, policy experts, and climate scientists at 10 universities and 24 non-profit and farm and food organizations nationwide. This makes it an ideal net sink for carbon and a potential option as an effective solution against our current overabundance of atmospheric carbon. Kernza is a perennial grain crop that is winterhardy in the Upper Midwest. If you are approved, we will provide you with a trademark license to sign. This is just a flavor combination we think brings out the best of Kernza, and it is a great starting point! Growers must apply and be licensed by TLI before buying Kernza seed from Albert Lea Seed or other suppliers. The research were doing, everything we learn makes a change in the way farmers can manage the crop, so thats really exciting. Since then, this scientific marvel has inspired many farmers and agricultural scientists to take a closer look into the development of similar perennial grains. Well go into a little more depth below. It is a whole grain: bran, germ, and endosperm are all included. It would fit very nicely here in Wisconsin because were a dairy state, and dairy farmers have that unique set of skills as grain and livestock farmers. As a perennial, Kernza can be harvested for several years in a row, avoiding the cycle of annual tillage resulting in carbon loss, erosion and soil degradation. For the latest news and other resources including the 2021 Kernza Grower Application, a Kernza production guide, and more, visit kernza.org. As you can see, Kernza flour is a bit more varied than your standard all-purpose white flour. Ten years after we began to see the potential of Kernza perennial grain and secured the tradename,there are 100+ farmers producing it on nearly 4,000 acres globally. Right now, it's available at certain stores and online, usually as ground flour or as a whole grain. Photo by Ben Vincent. Fiber content of whole grain Kernza is much higher than wheat, but flour sifting can remove a substantial portion of the bran. Try substituting in recipes that utilize whole wheat flour. The main reason you would want to develop this are the environmental benefits. Though it will rise, it generally tends to favor going out instead of up. Focus instead on coaxing out its incredibly intricate flavor and aroma, and expressing it to the fullest extent! As mentioned above, take note of the flavor and aroma. It's a perennial grain. Albert Lea Seed is proud to be among the first companies to offer a commercially viable Kernza seed to our customers. In the future, we intend on milling various grind sizes, but in the meantime, if you would like a finer or more coarse grind, look into milling our whole grains at home! Kernza is the trademarked name of an intermediate perennial wheatgrass developed by The Land Institute of Salina, Kansas. For everyone turning Kernza into tasty foods and beverages via consumer packaged goods or restaurant menus. You can have it for 10 or 20 years. A program of UC Agriculture & Natural Resources, Accelerating the cultivation & marketing of the perennial grain Kernza, As part of its mission of sustainability in agriculture, UC SAREP is interested in crops that hold environmental and economic promisesuch as, , the drought-tolerant superfood grown by Central Valley farmers, or. And, really, commercial production started two years ago. It is a cool-season grass originating in Eurasia, studied by scientists at the Land Institute for several decades. Kernza grain yields are between 400 and 900 pounds per acre in the first year. And inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery passes are minimal, so costs are much lower than annual crops. agriculture and food markets, but our researchers are currently working on others, including perennial wheat, perennial rice, perennial sorghum, and perennial oilseeds, with more to come. It shows greater yield, higher free-threshing, reduced shattering, and reduced lodging compared to other Kernza seed currently available. 127 ; 509-432-6489 For everyone turning Kernza into tasty foods and beverages via consumer packaged goods or restaurant menus. Kernza is a newly-discovered, perennial grain that might just change modern agriculture for the better. Kernza grain has been used in pancakes, pizza, bread, pastries, beer, and alcoholic spirits. A List of Our Sugary and Healthy Plant-Based Favorites, The Rich History of Amaranth, Its Health Benefits, and How You Can Use It, Which Vegan Foods Have the Most Protein? Lee DeHaan 2020-68012-31934 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The baking quality is somewhere between that of soft white wheat and rye. Innovative chefs, bakers, brewers, distillers, researchers, and growers are now using Kernza in place of or combined with wheat or other grains. June 21, 2022 at 5:30 AM Share News reporting ALEXANDRIA, Minn. The academy model of learning at Alexandria High School is about authentic learning experiences. These are signs of great texture and a lot of subtle flavor. Optimal hydration percentage (Kernza/Turkey Blend): 66-70%. Results from the five-year project will include new cultivars that yield more grain and enhance critical ecosystem services, a better understanding of those ecosystem services, best practices for Kernza growers, supportive policy and educational tools, and multiple operating regional supply chains meeting increased national market demand for Kernza. Kernza has strong potential to benefit the environment and increase farm income by producing both a premium grain and a high volume of quality straw. Kernza inclusion percentage with Soft Wheat: Up to 50%. Perennial grains, legumes, and oilseeds represent a paradigm shift in modern agriculture and hold great potential for truly sustainable production systems. And in 2020 alone, federal insurance subsidies for extreme weather events surpassed $4 billion. Multiple rounds of selecting and inter-mating the best plants based on their yield, seed size, disease resistance, and other traits have been performed, resulting in improved populations of intermediate wheatgrass that are currently being evaluated and further selected at The Land and by collaborators in diverse environments. Kernza growers must be licensed before buying, planting, or marketing Kernza, and they must adhere to the trademark program and its associated Identity Preserved Program for the duration of their license. Hints of many ingredients have revealed themselves to us through tasting: toasted nuts, honey, brown sugar or maple, cinnamon, even raisin. If trying something like this, start small; take away about 10-15% of the flour called for in the recipe, and add it back with Kernza flour. His research as an assistant professor in the Department of Agronomy focuses on forage and grazing systems in the United States and around the world. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Kernza has multiple environmental benefits. Kernza has a sweet, nutty flavor and can be used as a whole grain, ground into flour, malted, or directly added to beer and whiskey. The trademark program includes guidelines for approved seed sources, production practices, and quality control. nonprofit organization focused on developing perennial grains and diverse, ecological cropping Kernza in products and menu items across the U.S. For organic producers, what nitrogen sources are suitable for production? Thats why we asked Colin Cureton, PhD and the UMN Forever Green Kernza Team to give us an introduction. Right now seed is limited and only registered Kernza Growers are provided with access to seed sources. Many of these strategies are about how he farms: Hes never used herbicides or pesticides on his crops, for instance. Kernza can be used in baked goods and is now being sold in a number of restaurants. Whether you are a Kernza grower, or are interested in becoming one, you will find what you need to participate in the perennial revolution here. 100+ visionary farmers, 53 research partners, and dozens of food and beverage producers are on the journey to a perennial future. Most of those acres are in Minnesota, which is also home to a small but enthusiastic Kernza supply chain as local brewers, bakers, and chefs experiment with Kernza products in microbrews, pancake mixes and dessert bars. What machine works best? Kernza can produce up to 5 tons per acre of forage on top of the grain yield, which can be grazed or hayed. Our friends Karen Leibowitz and Anthony Myint were some of the first prolific users of Kernza perennial grain at their former restaurant The Perennial in San Francisco. Kernza is one of about 17 crops Wyse. There are wonderful recipes in our Perennial Test Kitchenand many fantastic community contributions in our Community Recipesblog. Monoculture fields require tilling and fertilizer, and cause soil. Picasso is excited to collaborate with his new colleagues at UWMadison. Eaters agree: Kernza tastes great! Plus, it produces a grain we can eat which means farmers can sell it and turn a profit. Currently, seed supply is very limited, so it is allocated to plantings where the grain will be harvested and sold. Kernza is different. Step 3. Through our experience, certain warm spices like clove, allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon pair exceptionally well with Kernzas flavor profile. A post shared by The Land Institute (@thelandinstitute). However, by no means are these spices the only ones you can pair with Kernza. Using a wooden spoon or flexible spatula, mix well to fully hydrate the flour. Grains make up over 70% of our global calories and . Once you plant it, you can harvest it for many years. SAREPs role in the Kernza-CAP project is as something of a matchmaker, connecting the market potential in California to the nationwide Kernza coalition. Kernza has strong potential to benefit the environment and increase farm income by producing both a premium grain and a high volume of quality straw. You . Research is showing that perennial grains like Kernza are one of the most robust and effective solutions known to sequester carbon on our productive lands. Find a tasty Kernza product near you. While intermediate wheatgrass has been grown for decades in the U.S. as a forage crop, its use as a commercial grain crop for human consumption is new. Follow Harvest on Twitter: @HarvestPM, Get the latest from around Nebraska delivered to your inbox. I just cringe whenever I see soil disturbance.. We have more than 35 collaborators in the United States and Europe. Kernza is the trademark name for the grain of an intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) being developed at The Land Institute. Your baking experience can help us understand why and how people use Kernza flourand the delicious results that are possible! Oct 09, 2020 Kernza grains extensive root system reaches over 10 feet underground, and is a net sink for atmospheric carbon. Share recipes with others on the Cooking with Kernza Facebook Group. Instructions. It reports on food systems, agriculture and rural issues. In the next 10 years, we aim to have the crop increase seed size to 50% of annual bread wheat seed size from the current 25%. Additionally, there has been success with a small addition of kernza into recipes that do not require whole wheat or soft wheat flour. With persistence, plant breeders can obtain wide hybrid crosses. Although the first crosses are of little value, years of genetic studies and intermating can produce plants that maintain seed yield and quality similar to the annual parent while inheriting the perennial lifestyle from the other parent. The main interest here in Wisconsin comes from farmers who want to have a flexible crop that they can use for harvest grain, but at the same time they may have some dairy or beef farmers who have cattle and want to be able to harvest forage or to graze this crop. Kernza has been in development for years, but this may be the first time youve heard of it. Here youll find a straightforward method to cook the grain both on the stove top, or in a pressure cooker (in this case we used an Instapot). Overall, they help ensure food and water security over the long term. It is a whole grain: bran, germ, and endosperm are all included. Many annual grain crops, such as wheat and rice, can be intermated with their wild perennial cousins. You might start by contacting your Extension Service or a local supplier of native perennial seeds to obtain recommendations. This plant is originally from central Europe and Asia. Everything there is to know about Kernza perennial grain. Kernza is a newly-domesticated form of wheatgrass that was designed to be planted from a single seed and regrow on its own, year after year. Many others have tested it in their products and kitchens. But Carmen Fernholz isnt waiting for policy to catch up. Kernza grain has gluten, but it is not as strong as the gluten in wheat flour. And theyre looking for something to break out of that.. Posted by Amanda. Theres nothing more rewarding. Well be convening growers, millers, bakers, and brewers to figure out practical steps for adoption, says Gwenal Engelskirchen of UC SAREP. The roots can extend 10 feet or more beneath the soil surface, delivering atmospheric carbon to the soil and efficiently taking up nutrients and water. I am growing Kernza because it is a transformative step in agricultural cropping systems. These methods are meant to provide you with a neutrally flavored cooked grain that you can flavor any way youd like, making it much easier to substitute in or add Kernza to recipes you may already have on hand. Most of the cereal crops we grow now, like corn, soy, and wheat, are annual crops. We arrived at this grind after running. And in an era of increasing globalization, Picasso has cast his gaze beyond the borders of Wisconsin. Today, their tireless work in showing all of us that delicious food and the people and stories behind it can be a solution to climate change continues through their new venture Zero Foodprint. Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, Farm Enterprise Diversification & Viability. Not for use in planting certified Kernza grain production fields without prior approval by The Land Institute. Optimal hydration percentage (100% Kernza): 63-67.5%. Please note that it is a cool season grass, so it requires a period of at least 6 weeks with temperatures below 40 degrees Farenheit in order to produce grain. Those long roots also draw down harmful carbon (otherwise known as greenhouse gas) from the air and trap it underground (called carbon sequestration), directly mitigating climate change. The crop produces a lot more straw than annual small grains, which should be chopped or removed after grain harvest. And in the era of climate change, that protection is getting increasingly expensive. At this time there is no certified organic Kernza seed for planting, but we expect organic sources to be made available soon. Growers must apply and be licensed by TLI before buying Kernza seed from Albert Lea Seed or other suppliers. It's being used as a flour, in beer, and even in pasta. Kernza is being strongly promoted to early-adopter growers as a dual-use crop for grain and forage. If 20 years sounds like a long time to be developing a grain, plant geneticists will be quick to assure you that its not. Copyright The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. The yield potential of Kernza is rapidly increasing, and after harvest, the remaining leaves and stems can be grazed by cattle.