Farmers turn to perennial grains as one solution to extreme weather

Bryce Black, a fourth-generation farmer, stood in a wheat field impacted by intense drought, comparing the seed head's size to normal conditions. Despite a late October rain in 2023, extreme drought struck his 1,800-acre (728-hectare) winter wheat farm, resulting in the lowest yield since taking over his family's farm in 2017. Black, who also grows corn, soybeans, and milo, expressed his disheartenment, acknowledging the challenges of adapting to such weather events.

Perennial grains are emerging as a potential solution to mitigate extreme weather. Researchers are developing perennial versions of common annual grains, such as wheat, sorghum, and rice, but widespread adoption by farmers is slow due to lower yields, difficult harvesting, and an underdeveloped market. Farmers like Bryce Black find perennial grains appealing because they reduce the need for annual planting, harvesting, and replanting, saving money, labor, and resources.

David Mueller, a farmer in Kansas, has been growing Kernza, a perennial grain, on his 4,500-acre (1,821-hectare) farm since 2018. Kernza, akin to native grasses found in Europe and Asia, doesn't require yearly planting, harvesting, and replanting. Instead, it is planted once every few years, with root systems that can reach several feet down, accessing water deeper in the ground.

This resilience helps Kernza withstand short-term drought and absorb excess water during heavy rain, reducing soil erosion and sequestering more carbon, thus lowering atmospheric pollution.