Great River Greening and Kernza®
Farmer Ben Penner and southern Minnesota program manager and ecologist Brad Gordon take a break during the Kernza® harvest.
Kernza® is the first perennial grain crop in the world—meaning farmers don’t need to replant it every year, allowing the crop to grow deep, complex root systems. These root systems protect delicate soil from erosion, absorb excessive and harmful nutrients, and retain water. Once established, Kernza® and other continuous living cover crops greatly improve our land and water. Environmental impacts include:
Better water quality
Increased carbon sequestration (a powerful tool in the fight against climate change)
Improved wildlife habitat, especially for native birds and pollinators
Alternative pest control that reduces farmer dependence on toxic herbicides and pesticides
Not only is Kernza® incredibly promising for the future of sustainable agriculture, it also tastes good! The grain has a sweet and nutty flavor that works great in baked goods and more.
Baking with Kernza® has so many possibilities!
Our Work
Great River Greening is proud to work with farmers in southern Minnesota, encouraging them to plant Kernza® and other continuous living cover crops on their land (learn more here and here). In eastern Nicollet County, we partner with farmers who are the first to grow Kernza® and winter camelina (a cover crop planted in the “off-season”). Our work connects farmers to the technical expertise, financial resources, and equipment needed to introduce sustainable crops into their rotation. We’re also building a consumer market for Kernza® and other grains, working in partnership with bakeries, breweries, and other businesses to offer Kernza® products. This ensures a financial incentive for farmers and, ultimately, a stable and long-term demand for environmentally-friendly products.
Project Success
Given the growing interest in Kernza®, we’re excited to share that eastern Nicollet County is projected to add another 30+ acres of Kernza® and winter camelina to farmers’ rotations this fall.
Mark Your Calendars for 9/17/2022
Great River Greening and partners will host a Kernza® and winter camelina field day near St. Peter, Minnesota on September 17, 2022. You can expect a field tour, soil health demonstration, a discussion of carbon markets (aka a framework that provides incentives for farmers to participate in carbon sequestration or carbon reductions), fish habitat demonstration, and, of course, some tastings. Additional details, including the specific location, are forthcoming. Stay tuned!
In the meantime, check out our partner website 7-milecreek.org to learn more about Great River Greening’s work in Nicollet County. You can also watch videos about Kernza®, winter camelina, and other sustainable agricultural practices.
How can You Support Kernza®?
Kernza Fest Poster
You may be thinking, “I’m not a farmer, how can I make a difference?” Not a problem. You can also support and enjoy Kernza® by doing the following:
Grab the family and head to Lake City to experience the first ever Kernza Fest this Saturday, June 18. Our partners from the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance are hosting this event from 10 am to 6 pm at Ohuta Park on the shores of Lake Pepin. Kernza Fest will feature expert speaker panels, chef demos (including a tasting tent), live music, specialty vendors, kids’ activities and much more. You can have a great time learning and you can taste for yourself by sampling bread, beer, and other delicious foods featuring the star of the show--Kernza®
Purchase Kernza® flour and other goods directly from Perennial Pantry or Patagonia Provisions.
Pick up Kernza® flour or pancake/waffle mix at Lakewinds Food Co-op in Minnetonka, Chanhassen, or Richfield.
Have fun baking and trying new recipes. Great River Greening staff members highly recommend the Chewy Molasses Kernza® Cookies or the Easy Versatile Kernza® Scones.
Molasses Kernza® Cookies
Contributors: Julie Baumeister, Brad Gordon, Kirsten Gulbro.
Photo Credits:
Kernza field (Brad Gordon)
Baking with Kernza flour (Julie Baumeister)
Kernza Fest (Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance)
Kernza cookie (Julie Baumeister; cookies baked by Kirsten Gulbro)
Funding/Sponsors: https://www.7-milecreek.org/about