Perennial grains have potential economic benefits from grain and forage production as well as environmental benefits derived from long-term soil coverage without tillage, extensive fibrous root systems that sequester organic matter and the ability to recycle plant nutrients.
Dual-use crop diversifies agriculture
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Perennial cereal rye heads at maturity in a field in July 2024 in St. Paul.
Perennial cereal rye accessions in a spaced-planted breeding nursery in May 2024 in St. Paul.
A side-by-side view compares Kernza, left, and perennial cereal rye.
Seeds of winter cereal rye, perennial cereal rye and Kernza are lined up for comparison. Perennial cereal rye seed weighs only about 40 percent of the weight of winter cereal rye.
Seedheads of annual winter rye, left, compared to perennial cereal rye.
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Key Points
Due to the significant impacts of drought on forage production in 2026, forage supplies may be tight this winter.