Kernza® Field Day: Advances in Breeding, Production and Marketing

This field tour is an opportunity for growers, processors, businesses, and policymakers to gain first-hand knowledge and connect with experienced Kernza® growers and researchers who have been advancing the breeding, production, and marketing of the nation’s first perennial grain.

Kernza® perennial grain has the potential to change agriculture landscapes by providing valuable ecosystem services and new economic opportunities. A-Frame Farm, owned by Carmen Fernholz and operated by Luke Peterson, is one of the first farms in Minnesota to plant Kernza, over a decade ago. In that time, Fernholz and Peterson have closely partnered with both University researchers and industry experts to support both the agronomic and market development of this visionary new crop. In 2021, Perennial Promise Growers Co-op was formed to serve as a production and marketing agency for growers. Representatives from the co-op will also be on-hand to share market development.

The Field Day tour will feature:

• A tour of the next generation of Kernza varieties
• Post-harvest/on-farm seed processing and conditioning demonstration
• An overview of the state of the Kernza market
• Water erosion demonstrations from the Lac qui Parle Soil and Water Conservation District
• Soil pit showcasing the impressive Kernza root system
• Kernza food and beverage products

We recommend wearing durable shoes or boots to walk through the field. This is a rain-or-shine event, so please dress accordingly. Light refreshments that include Kernza will be served during a social hour following the tour, plan to stay for conversation and connection!

This event is free but registration is required. Click here to register.

Please note: a film crew will be on-site during the field tour and will be capturing footage for a documentary film. A release form is included in the registration.