Farmers adopt perennial grains to combat challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.

BELOIT, Kan.—In a wheat field struggling under the weight of severe drought, fourth-generation farmer Bryce Black reflects on his experiences with his winter wheat crop. Despite a promising start following late October rains last year, Black faced devastating conditions when a dry winter and spring set in. As a result, he managed to harvest only about 1,500 acres from his 1,800 acres of planted wheat, yielding the lowest harvest since taking over the family farm in 2017.

Faced with increasing volatility due to changing climate conditions, farmers like Black are exploring innovative methods to safeguard their crops and financial futures. Among these methods is the use of perennial grains, which may enhance agricultural resilience against weather extremes such as droughts and heavy rainfall. Researchers are diligently working to develop perennial varieties of traditional grains, including wheat, rice, and sorghum, although the road to widespread adoption is fraught with challenges, including lower yields and harvesting difficulties.

Perennial grains, by their nature, require less frequent planting—potentially every four to five years—making them appealing in an era of rising costs and labor shortages. Black noted the potential benefits of perennial crops, stating that they could save time, labor, and resources.

One of the forefront examples of a perennial grain is Kernza, which was planted in a 12-acre field by farmer David Mueller five years ago. Unlike annual crops, Kernza’s extensive root system can access water deeper in the soil, enabling it to withstand drought conditions better. It also contributes to soil health by reducing erosion and sequestering carbon, thus playing a role in addressing climate change.

Kernza has shown promise, but challenges remain. In the U.S. alone, it was cultivated on approximately 3,511 acres, a stark contrast to the 37.2 million acres dedicated to traditional wheat cultivation in the 2025-26 period. Harvesting this unique grain poses additional hurdles; its smaller size compared to wheat requires adaptations in farming equipment to minimize damage during collection.

Despite these challenges, interest in perennial grains is gradually increasing among environmentally conscious consumers who are beginning to recognize their benefits. Food producers, such as Aaron Gaeddert of Kansas-based Prairy, are striving to enhance consumer awareness and marketability of Kernza-based products. However, creating a stable market for perennial grains is a continuing struggle for farmers who wish to pivot from conventional crops.

Federal support for perennial grains is virtually nonexistent compared to traditional crops, further complicating farmers’ transition to these innovative agricultural practices. Nonetheless, early adopters like Mueller are finding ways to profit from Kernza, receiving fixed prices that often surpass those of traditional grains.

The mounting pressures of climate change are pushing farmers to rethink their strategies. The resilience offered by perennial grains may be a viable path forward, promising not just economic returns but also sustainability for future agricultural practices. Although hurdles remain, the potential benefits of increased soil health, reduced carbon emissions, and better resource management may soon make perennial grains a cornerstone of modern farming in the United States.

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