Where it All Began The origins of Kernza® trace back to 1983 when plant breeder Peggy Wagoner at The Rodale Institute identified intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) as a promising candidate for a perennial grain. Inspired by Wes Jackson’s vision for a more sustainable agricultural system, researchers at Rodale and the USDA began early breeding efforts … Continue reading The Kernza^® Story

The modern scale of our current agricultural system threatens to collapse the natural systems upon which we depend. Perennial grains are a robust, transformative remedy that can provide ample human food while reducing or eliminating impacts from industrial agriculture. 25 Percent of the world’s annual greenhouse gas emissions are due to food production 10 feet: … Continue reading A Perennial Future

Kernza® and General Mills: A Regenerative Recipe for the FutureSee how an industry leader uses Kernza® to help them meet their current and future sustainability goalsRead More How Wendy Johnson of Jóia Food & Fiber Farm Is Leading the Way with Kernza®This 4th-generation farmer brings a future-forward mindset to enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and … Continue reading Success Stories

Nourishing Communities, Restoring the Planet Kernza® perennial grain offers a transformative solution to sustainable farming. Thriving for multiple years without replanting, Kernza® reduces the need for tillage and other resource-intensive inputs. Its extensive root system, which can reach over ten feet underground, prevents soil erosion, cleans water, and improves overall soil health. This intrinsically regenerative … Continue reading Environmental Impact

Researchers, students, and members of the Kernza network are preparing to meet for KernzaCon 2025 in Fargo, North Dakota, from June 9-11, 2025. The event will be held and hosted in collaboration with North Dakota State University (NDSU). The program will highlight current research projects and progress in breeding, agronomy, ecosystem services, soil health, food … Continue reading KernzaCon 2025: Fargo, North Dakota

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is supporting the Kernza® supply chain and market by funding multiple perennial grain businesses through its Continuous Living Cover* (CLC) Grant, which awarded $431,637 to 10 new projects in the state. Bang Brewing and Sturdiwheat will both receive funding to modify their recipes to increase the percentage of Kernza … Continue reading Minnesota Department of Agriculture Supports Kernza® & Perennial Crop Markets

The Land Institute’s Crop Stewardship Program released its 2024 Kernza Supply support this March, providing insights on planting, harvest, and management data from Kernza growers across several regions of the US. This detailed report incorporates self-reported statistics directly from growers related to total acreage, yield data, storage data, growing conditions, harvest products, planting intentions, and … Continue reading 2024 Kernza® Planting and Harvest Report Now Available

The Delaware-based brewery Dogfish Head partnered with the Grateful Dead on their new Juicy Pale Ale, a beer brewed with Kernza perennial grain, granola, and El Dorado and Azacca hops. This beer is now available at retailers nationwide, making it one of the most widely available products in the US containing Kernza. The Dogfish Head … Continue reading Kernza® Featured in New Dogfish Head x Grateful Dead Beer

In collaboration with private sector businesses and external research partners, the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) released a report detailing Kernza’s uses and behavior in brewing, distilling, malting, and baking to support Minnesota businesses and beyond. The insights within this report are critical for developing strong supply chains and commercialization networks for Kernza to support … Continue reading Kernza® Value-Added Uses for Malting, Brewing, and Distilling (AURI)