As the first commercially produced perennial grain crop, intermediate wheatgrass (Kernza® perennial grain) has the potential to change agriculture landscapes by providing valuable ecosystem services and new economic opportunities. The University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative (FGI) has been engaged in research and development on this ground-breaking crop for several years in strong partnership with The Land Institute (Kansas), where the grain was first developed. The UMN and Land Institute research team includes ecologists, breeders, agronomists and food scientists working on everything from increasing seed size and yields to field trials and commercial opportunities. The crop has advanced to the point that early commercialization has begun, with local and regional food businesses as well as corporate partnerships with companies such as Cascadian Farm / General Mills, Inc. and Patagonia Provisions.

This field tour is an opportunity for growers, processors and others interested in learning more about Kernza. Carmen Fernholz has been working with the University of Minnesota and growing intermediate wheatgrass for six years. His planted acres are some of the oldest in the state. Carmen will be on-hand to talk about his experience growing kernza. Intermediate wheatgrass researcher, Jake Jungers, Ph.D. will also be on-hand to talk about the current research and where the University is hoping to take this crop.

A tour of the Kernza plot on Fernholz's farm is planned. We recommend wearing durable shoes or boots to walk through the field. This is a rain or shine event.

Light refreshments will be served. A social hour will follow the tour, plan to stay for conversation!

This field tour is made possible through a generous grant from the MDA through the AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Grant.

Kernza Field Day: A-Frame Farm

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