Sustain-A-Grain Growers
What We Do
Kernza® is a new crop and best management practices are still being established. With our experience as farmers and ag researchers, Sustain-A-Grain is working with growers to identify and share practices which will further improve Kernza®’s profitability and sustainability.
Sustain-A-Grain is building a coalition of growers across the Great Plains, starting in Central Kansas. We are looking for partners who share our goals.
How do I get involved?
If you’re interested in purchasing Kernza® seed or learning more about Kernza® production, please fill out our contact form and tell us about your operation and level of interest.
Is Kernza® the right crop for me?
As a perennial grain with a market still in development, Kernza® poses unique opportunities and challenges that should be fully considered.
Kernza® mimics the perennial prairie grasses that are native to the Great Plains. By eliminating tillage, it can be a good option for regenerating your soil and improving ecosystem health.
Kernza® can be grazed during certain periods each year. This can further add to the economic sustainability of the crop.
Kernza® should follow corn, alfalfa, or short-season beans, not cereals, in your rotation.
Current varieties of Kernza® have a 3-5 year productive window before rotating to the next crop. The first year may have limited grain production.
Kernza® can be harvested with traditional equipment with a few modifications.
Sustain-A-Grain is currently developing storage options for participating growers. Until those facilities are up and running, you’ll likely need to dedicate some on-farm storage to Kernza®.