Grain and Forage from Intermediate Wheatgrass: A New Perennial Grain Crop
Minnesota team: Craig Sheaffer, Jake Jungers, Mitch Hunter, Bradely Heins
Michigan team: Sieglinde Snapp, Vicki Morrone and Kim Cassida (Michigan State University) and Hampshire Farm
Project Highlights
- One of the first studies to investigate dual-use of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) for production of Kernza® grain and forage
- Sites in Minnesota and Michigan represent a wide gradient of Upper Midwest soil-climate conditions on organic soils
- Both mechanical clipping and livestock grazing were tested
- Results show that IWG stands can yield substantial quantities of high-quality forage while also producing Kernza grain
- Projects reached farmers and agricultural professionals through field days and meetings