TRENDS: Four grain growing trends for small acreage farming to watch for are perennial grains, heirloom grains, locally produced grains, and sprouted grain value-added products.
When the soil is tilled year after year for annual grains, soil and prairie eco-systems are destroyed. Perennial grain growing restores them. Studies have shown similar yields as compared to annual grains. Peter’s Seed & Research at www.psrseed.com offers perennial grain seeds. Several institutions are doing studies, do a search for the latest information.
Heirloom grains include Amaranth, Emmer, Millet, Quinoa, Spelt and Teff.
Locally produced grains may also be on the horizon. Local small acreage farming often means perishables like fruits and vegetables. But food security is higher when grain production is diverse. The small acreage farming of grains does not compete with commodity grain, but instead grows unique varieties and/or produces value-added grain products in order to profit.
Sprouted grains, for humans and animals, are popular because some dietitians feel year-round consumption of grain products is unnatural, whereas by sprouting the grain, it becomes a vegetable, which is a natural food type to consume year-round. Some religions even seek out sprouted breads. Local and artisan bakers are also offering sprouted grain corn chips, English muffins and bagels. — www.MicroEcoFarming.com