US DROUGHT: Kansas Farmers Turn to Perennial Grain as Extreme Weather Hits | Times Now World

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A small but growing number of U.S. farmers are testing perennial grains such as Kernza as extreme weather puts pressure on conventional agriculture. In Kansas, farmer David Mueller has used Kernza to rebuild soil while benefiting from its deep root system, which can improve water retention and drought resilience. Researchers at The Land Institute say Kernza yields remain well below conventional wheat, creating a major barrier to wider adoption, but breeding advances have significantly improved performance. The crop also requires fewer field operations and less fertilizer, while farmers can receive premium prices in its still-developing market.