Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24
Outputs
Target Audience:Each objective team reached different audiences throughout this reporting period. We will outline each team's efforts and the audience they reached. Germplasm and Trait Evaluation: The target audience was primarily the scientific community, fellow researchers, and peers. Progress made on Kernza breeding was presented to farmers and other Kernza stakeholders at field days. Graduate and undergraduate students also continue to be target audiences through formal teaching and lab experiences. Agronomy and On-Farm Knowledge: The target audience was primarily current and prospective Kernza growers who are looking to optimize fertility management, intercropping practices, and variety selection. The team generated field research data on growth and yield performance; the results of these trials and observations were communicated to growers and the research community through field days, webinars, and conferences. Results were also disseminated throughpublications to reach a broader audience,including a new Ukrainian translation of the Kernza Grower's Guide. Environmental Quality: Primary audiences remain the sameand include farmers, general project Collaborators (other Objective Team members and project stakeholders), the scientific community through informal presentations, and external stakeholders including farmer audiences, state legislators, state agency personnel, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. This year we've taken more formal steps to engage external audiences in two ways. Members of our team have curated data to create one of the first Kernza Life Cycle Analysis.The EQ team has provided feedback and fact checking for the "Kernza Claims" document being created for a broad audience. Education: The education team continued to focus on and engage high school educators and students as the target audience for the Kernza in Context curriculum, as well as teacher-researchers working at the post-secondary level and elementary school audiences through outreach events. Extension: The Extension team's target audience was Extension educators, especially those participating in the KernzaCAP Extension Cohort from the Kernza growing states of Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Field days and other educational events hosted by KernzaCAP collaborators targeted existing and interested Kernza growers; researchers from within KernzaCAP and beyond; agency and nonprofit soil, water, and conservation staff and educators; and food supply chain and market partners. Policy: The target audience for the KernzaCAP policy activities was primarily state and federal staff at the USDA agencies of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Risk Management Agency (RMA). The team continues to make and maintain connections with Minnesota state legislators and environmental agency and department staff. The team also continues to engage both regionally and nationally with organizations and coalitions that engage in agricultural and environmental public policy at state and federal levels. Supply Chains and Economics: The target audiences reached by the Supply Chain & Economics team were farmers, processors, end-users and makers of Kernza products, consumers, researchers, and fellow sustainability transition and commercialization intermediaries. Integration: The integration team published several products aimed at external audiences, specifically researchers and people with a science background who are interested in Kernza. The integration team also has an audience of other agricultural CAP participants and award recipients through its members' leadership roles in cross-cap communities of practice. KernzaCAP collaborators were the primary audience of project communication tools including meetings, listservs, and seminars. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Joshua Kielsmeier-Cook (University of Minnesota) attended the initial course in the University of Minnesota's College of Continuing and Professional Studies Project Management certificate program, "Project Management Foundations", on July 18-19, 2024. Because of the momentum on perennial grains within the USDA framework, we have had two briefings requested for larger NRCS and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) audiences. The first briefing was a 4-part presentation on Kernza agronomy, policy, markets, and commercialization, and a farmer perspective for the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources Tech Talk series that is also shared with 800 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service staff, delivered online on December 5, 2023. KernzaCAP presenters included Dr. Bartel, Dr. Jungers, Tessa Peters, Colin Cureton, and farmer Trent Bohling - https://bwsr.state.mn.us/kernza-multipurpose-perennial-cover-0. Subsequently, we had a request for a presentation to the USDA Agricultural Research Service offered by Dr. Bartel on July 17, 2024 with 25 attendees to discuss Kernza USDA Incentives: Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Risk Management Agency. This request also included RMA data needs to develop pilot programs for insurance and risk mitigation to streamline data collection efforts with ARS. University of Minnesota graduate student Gurparteet Singh received the NOAA Knauss Fellowship and also attended the TLI Early Career workshop in September, 2024. Lydia Nicholson (The Land Institute) participated and presented at the Kansas Environmental Education Conference on Nov 2-3, 2023. Lydia also presented a webinar for Kansas small business owners participating in the Kernza for Kansas event on April 10, 2024 How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We introduced new audiences to Kernza and this project through publications, presentations, and field days as noted in the accomplishments section. Summer field days throughout the country provided opportunities to disseminate Kernza research and on-farm growing techniques through in-person and hands-on learning. This type of in-person information sharing is effective at reaching non-research audiences, including farmers, policymakers, and Extension agents. KernzaCAP has a quarterly newsletter with a subscriber base that has grown to over 200. Subscribers include students, researchers, farmers, Extension agents, educators, policymakers, business owners, and more. The KernzaCAP website (www.kernza.org/kernzacap) is also updated regularly to highlight the newest project outcomes. In addition, the project hosted a monthly seminar series that invited collaborators from across the project to share their work and encourage integration. Monthly technical assistance calls bring together a group of technical assistance providers, agronomy researchers, and commercialization staff. These calls foster integration across disciplines. The Kernza Supply Review and the Kernza Demand Review were disseminated to all KernzaCAP partners and everyone who holds a Kernza license. Results were also presented at the annual Kernza Conference and posted online. These resources provided stakeholders with new and important information about the economics of Kernza. Sustainable Farming Association (Minnesota) led the design and coordination of the Kernza in the Kitchen video featuring Chef Beth Dooley and SFA Executive Director Lucinda Winter. The video was designed to be a quick introduction to cooking with Kernza that extension and other educators can use with various audiences - community, nutrition, agriculture, etc. The video and recipes are available online - https://kernza.org/kernza-in-the-kitchen/ Many collaborators attended or presented at conferences and events centering people from historically underserved groups in agriculture, such as the2024 Nicodemus Homecoming and Emancipation Celebration in Nicodemus, KS and the Great Lakes Indigenous Ag Conference, as part of our outreach efforts. KernzaCAP was featured in many print and web articles throughout the year. Some of these articles were published in major newspapers with a broad public readership, including the Star Tribune, AgWeek, Minnesota Public Radio, CBS News, and more. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
One of humanity's most urgent challenges is to provide food, feed, and fiber for 10 billion people by 2050 while maintaining natural resources necessary for planetary habitability. Kernza®, the first commercially-available perennial grain crop, can improve environmental sustainability while providing a viable new crop for farmers. In year 4, the project's 6 objective teams advanced Kernza breeding and genetics, increased knowledge about how to grow the crop, improved environmental quality outcomes, engaged education, extension, and policy to build public awareness, developed new products and supply chains, and documented learnings to create a model for future perennial cropping systems. 1.1: The University of Minnesota breeding program collected data on the 6th and 7th cycle breeding population at 2 MN sites. Based on the data, 4 new crossing blocks will be established in 2024 to initiate development of new candidate varieties. The new breeding population, Cycle 8, was selected using genomic prediction models and established at 2 MN sites. 1.2: Bioinformatic methodologies transitioned the skim sequencing approach from experimental to practical implementation. During the breeding cycle, 4000 IWG genets were genotyped and ~2.5 million SNPs were imputed and filtered into a final data set of 88,254 SNPs for use in genomic selection models. This allowed the breeding program to go from starting seedlings to selecting breeding parents in 65 days. 1.3: The UMN breeding program deposited genotypic and phenotypic data from cycles 5 and 6 in the Kansas State University database. 1.4: Kernza samples were analyzed for dough mixing properties, amino acid content/properties, loaf properties, and protein structure in relation to nitrogen fertilizer rates and timing. Nitrogen application across seasons did not have a significant impact on amylose content in Kernza, however spring applications had significant impact on gelatinization enthalpy. 1.5: Mini-rhizotrons were used to take root images of the UMN Cycle 6 intermediate wheatgrass breeding population in St. Paul, MN. This data was summarized in the form of a peer-reviewed publication and published in Crop Science in 2024. 2.1: A third year of data was collected across 5 locations for the GEM trial. The team collected data including grain and forage yield, weed counts, stand counts, lodging, growth stage, and plant height. Data was added to the project's data management system and analysis is underway. 2.2: A third year of grain and forage yield data was collected on the fertility trial across 6 locations. This experiment is evaluating the amount and timing of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium application to maximize grain yields and minimize nitrate loss. Data was added to the project's data management system and analysis and manuscript development is underway. 2.3: On-farm trials are active on 3 farms. Farmers collected data on yield and biomass production. Initial data indicates that the addition of CaSO4 to the fertility treatments increases yields as compared to nitrogen alone or unfertilized treatments. Soils were analyzed for similar soil health and nutrient levels as in the fertility trial. 3.1: A third year of lysimeter data and soil moisture data were collected and analysis is underway. The team has been working on two primary objectives this year: (1) preparing observed experimental data for use with the model and (2) preparing scripts and required files for model calibration. The team will perform initial runs of the model this fall while datasets and scripts are continuing to be developed to facilitate a workflow that can be applied across experimental sites. 3.2: Parameterization and verification of the NOAH-MP land surface model for Kernza continues using eddy covariance tower data from The Land Institute. This model will be used to assess water and carbon dynamics across the treatments and in relation to climate perturbations. A small subset of observed data is being used for calibration. 3.3: Various soil analyses and data are up to date. We performed preliminary calculations on 2022 microbial fumigation biomass (CFE) data and expect that all CFE data will be up to date by December 2024. Extracellular enzyme and N-mineralization analysis is in progress, also with an expectation that data will be up to date from 2022 and 2023 by the end of 2024. 4.1: Kernza in Context curriculum was published, including 29 lessons in 13 subject areas. Curriculum was disseminated to a network of ~17,000 people via newsletters, achieving an 85% open rate. Companion boxes were sent to over 70 educators with interactive tools for Kernza in Context curriculum. 4.2: Extension cohort met periodically and collaborated with researchers to host 3 Kernza field days and are working to fill post-harvest handling knowledge gaps for farmers. Kernza in the Kitchen video was produced in partnership with Sustainable Farming Association. 4.3: KernzaCAP partners hosted over 12 field days throughout the United States. These events brought together farmers, researchers, market partners, etc. A winter webinar series was held to provide Kernza community members with up to date research and facilitate community dialog. The Kernza Grower Guide was released in Ukrainian to support work happening there. 4.4: Work on this objective is completed. 4.5: Through this project collaborators' work, Kernza has been formally adopted into the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program in MN and WI. Two briefings were delivered to USDA NRCS and ARS audiences. Outreach to NRCS offices to distribute a comprehensive Kernza primer are ongoing. Work with USDA RMA is ongoing to identify viable insurance products for Kernza-producing varieties of intermediate wheatgrass. 5.1: Further development of the KSA is temporarily on hold because the determined structure will require additional funding to incorporate a perpetual purpose trust. 5.2: Kernza enterprise budget case studies were developed for Kansas including various opportunity cost analyses and will be published by the NRCS as well as in a discipline specific journal. 5.3: Perennial Percent was launched as a label-based program to encourage companies to include small percentages of perennial grains (Kernza) in their best-selling products. 5.4: Merge Marketplace was launched with Kernza listings. New growers will be able to enroll acres in the coming year. This marketplace ties soil carbon sampling on-farm and biodiversity measurements to the grain. 6.1: KernzaCAP continues to use the project management and communications infrastructure built in year 1. Regular meetings encourage project-wide integration and communications. A monthly seminar series brought together collaborators to engage with topics across the project. 6.2: Results of collaboration with Terra Soma were developed into a desk audit of operating consortium models and an executive summary of stakeholder feedback. Leaders from key stakeholder organizations were convened in Nov. 2023 with Terra Soma facilitating an audit review and group decision-making process. 6.3: Work on a "Reflections from the Kernza Community" document continues with anticipated publication the winter of 2024. Collaborative meetings were held to plan a manuscript reflecting on transdisciplinary projects as well as to create formal feedback to NIFA from a consortium of perennial focused AFRI-SAS CAPs. 6.4: A data manager was hired and finalized internal datasets, ensuring access for all collaborators as well as creating scripts to allow our internally developed workflow to be accessible to future projects. Newsletters continue to be published quarterly. 6.5: The evaluation team honed and finalized their workplan for year 5 to measure project impact, network reach, and team functioning. Further analysis of the social network analysis was conducted and presented to the project as a whole.
Publications
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Bajgain, P., Jungers, J.M., Anderson, J.A. (2024) Genetic constitution and variability in synthetic populations of intermediate wheatgrass, an outcrossing perennial grain crop, G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics, Volume 14, Issue 9, September 2024, jkae154, https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkae154
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Crain, J., Wagoner, P., Larson, S. et al. Origin of current intermediate wheatgrass germplasm being developed for Kernza grain production. Genet Resour Crop Evol 71, 49634978 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-024-01952-1
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Bajgain, P., Stoll, H., & Anderson, J. A. (2024). Improving complex agronomic and domestication traits in the perennial grain crop intermediate wheatgrass with genetic mapping and genomic prediction. The Plant Genome, e20498. https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.20498
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Griffin, A., Jungers, J. M., & Bajgain, P. (2024). Root phenotyping and plant breeding of crops for enhanced ecosystem services. Crop Science, 113. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.21315
- Type:
Other Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Jungers, J., Runck, B., Ewing, P. M., Maaz, T., Carlson, C., Neyhart, J., Fumia, N., Bajgain, P., Subedi, S., Sharma, V., Senay, S., Hunter, M., Cureton, C., Gutknecht, J., & Kantar, M. (2023). Adapting perennial grain and oilseed crops for climate resiliency. Crop Science, 63, 17011721. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20972
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Loehr, L. A., Bajgain, P., Selfridge, C., Annor, G., & Ismail, B. P. (2024). Impact of processing and storage on rancidity markers in commercial and novel cultivar candidates of intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium). Cereal Chemistry, 101, 594610. https://doi.org/10.1002/cche.10763
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Pinto, P., & Picasso, V. D. (2023) Intercropping Legumes and Intermediate Wheatgrass Increases Forage Yield, Nutritive Value, and Profitability without Reducing Grain Yields. [Abstract]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/149133
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Bajgain, P. (2024) Domesticating a perennial grass crop in the era of modern genomics. [Abstract]. Plant and Animal Genome Conference/PAG 31, San Diego, CA. https://pag.confex.com/pag/31/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/53988
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Aduama, O., Annor, G. (2024). Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer on the Amino Acid Profile of Intermediate Wheatgrass. [Abstract]. University of Minnesota CFANS Research Symposium, St. Paul, MN.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Bajgain, P. (2024). Genomics-driven domestication of the perennial grass Intermediate Wheatgrass (Kernza). [Symposium Presentation]. University of Minnesota Center for Precision Plant Genomics 2024 Symposium, St. Paul, MN. https://cppg.umn.edu/cppg-2024-symposium
- Type:
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Pinto, P., Cartoni-Casamitjana, S., Stoltenberg, D.E., Picasso, V.D. (2024). Forage boost or grain blues? Legume choices shape Kernza intermediate wheatgrass dual-purpose crop performance. Field Crops Research. Volume 316. 2024. 109522. ISSN 0378-4290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2024.109522
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Ritter, T., Gutknecht, J. L., & Jungers, J. M. (2023) Kernza CAP: Developing and Deploying a Perennial Grain Crop Enterprise to Improve Environmental Quality and Rural Prosperity [Abstract]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/151819
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Singh, G., Gutknecht, J. L., Jungers, J. M., Trost, J., & Ha, W. (2023) Nitrate Leaching and Crop Yield for Intermediate Wheatgrass (Kernza�) in the US Midwest. [Abstract]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/149223
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Olugbenle, O., & Picasso, V. D. (2023) Yield and Forage Quality of Dual-Use Populations of Intermediate Wheatgrass Intercropped with Legumes [Abstract]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/149197
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Shoenberger, E., Stoltenberg, D. E., & Picasso, V. D. (2023) Managing Stand Density Reduction and Nitrogen Fertility in Dual-Use Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass to Sustain Grain Yield over Time [Abstract]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, St. Louis, MO. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2023am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/148559
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Ghasemian, S., Brunsell, N. (2023). Quantifying the Environmental Benefits of Perennial Agriculture: A Case Study of Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass and NOAH-MP. [Abstract]. American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA. https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm23/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/1415449
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Brunsell, N., Ghasemian, S., Ring, N. (2023). Assessing the environmental benefits and resiliency of Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass to drought and changing climatic conditions. [Abstract]. American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA. https://agu.confex.com/agu/fm23/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/1417664
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Aduama, O., Annor, G. (2023). The effect of nitrogen treatment dough rheology and protein aggregation kinetics of Intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium). [Abstract]. Cereal and Grains Association Annual Meeting, Schaumburg, IL. https://events.rdmobile.com/Lists/Details/2050095
|
Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23
Outputs
Target Audience:Each objective team reached different audiences throughout this reporting period. We will outline each team's efforts and the audience they reached. Germplasm and Trait Evaluation: The target audience was primarily the scientific community, fellow researchers, and peers. Progress made on Kernza breeding was presented to farmers and other Kernza enthusiasts at field days. Agronomy and On-Farm Knowledge: The target audience was primarily current and prospective Kernza growers who are looking to optimize fertility management, intercropping practices, and variety selection. The team generated field research data on growth and yield performance; the results of these trials and observations were communicated to growers and the research community through field days and publications including an updated Kernza Grower Guide. Environmental Quality: Farmers and KernzaCAP collaborators carried out field experiments with the research community as the primary target audience. Team members gave presentations throughout the reporting period to audiences that included the research community, farmers, state legislators, state agency personnel, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Environmental quality research is also of interest to supply chain and market partners. Education: The target audiences for the Kernza in Context curriculum were high school educators, students, and teacher-researchers working at the post-secondary level. Elementary school audiences were engaged to select, adapt, and test relevant activities from the project's educational lessons. Extension: The Extension team's target audience was Extension educators, especially those participating in the KernzaCAP Extension Cohort from the Kernza growing states of Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Field days and other educational events hosted by KernzaCAP collaborators targeted existing and interested Kernza growers; researchers from within KernzaCAP and beyond; agency and nonprofit soil, water, and conservation staff and educators; and food supply chain and market partners. Policy: The target audience for the KernzaCAP policy activities was primarily state and federal staff at the USDA agencies of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Risk Management Agency (RMA). The team continues to make and maintain connections with Minnesota state legislators and environmental agency and department staff. Supply Chains and Economics: The target audiences reached by the Supply Chain & Economics team were farmers, processors, end-users and makers of Kernza, consumers, researchers, and fellow sustainability transition and commercialization intermediaries. Integration: The integration team published several products aimed at external audiences, specifically researchers and people with a science background who are interested in Kernza. Results of the Social Network Analysis that was completed this year were shared with farmers, businesses, policymakers, community organizers, and researchers. Project communications tools including meetings, listservs, and seminars, reached KernzaCAP collaborators. Changes/Problems:Challenges in Kernza markets are impacting the project as a whole and the wider Kernza community. There is a grain surplus in the market as of fall 2023 as a result of several factors, including processing bottlenecks, high pricing of the grain, consumer awareness, and macroeconomic factors such as inflation. While these are normal challenges in the development of a new crop, they have required pivoting our strategy to respond. One tangible impact is pausing development of the Kernza Stewards Alliance to address more immediate market challenges. In part due to the slowdown in developing the Kernza Stewards Alliance, work on the Kernza Consortium is also moving more slowly than anticipated. While the goals of developing a Kernza Consortium have not changed, the timeline has shifted. The field trials have experienced several challenges, including poor stand re-establishment at two sites in the GEM trial. Yield results among varieties and treatments in this trial may be highly variable. Persistent drought conditions throughout the middle of the country for a second year negatively affected biomass production, crop vigor, and water quality data collection. There are also personnel and equipment limitations at some sites. This is most specific to forage, where some sites do not have their own equipment to clear stover after grain harvest or to harvest vegetative regrowth. This has led to some inconsistencies in management that could impact the results of the experiments. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Perennial Agriculture Early Career Workshop was hosted by the Perennial Agriculture Project and The Land Institute from October 21-23, 2022. The meeting was an opportunity to connect with new colleagues, share results, and learn about other exciting projects to advance natural systems-inspired agriculture. KernzaCAP attendees included: Roberta Rebesquini (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Priscila Pinto (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Tomas Cassani (The Land Institute), Korede Olugbenle (University of Wisconsin-Madison), and Gurparteet Singh (University of Minnesota) Colin Cureton (University of Minnesota) participated in the Fresh Ventures Studio venture-building cohort from May-July 2023. While not funded by KernzaCAP, this experience provided skills and knowledge relevant to Colin's work building the Kernza market. Lydia Nicholson (The Land Institute) attended the Kansas and Missouri Environmental Education Conference November 4-5, 2022, which provided skills and knowledge for her work building the Kernza in Context curriculum. Tara Ritter (University of Minnesota) and Sophia Skelly (The Land Institute) attended the virtual training session "Uprooting Racism in the Food System" from Soul Fire Farm on November 21, 2022. This training provided knowledge that was applied to chair the project's DEI subgroup. University of Minnesota graduate student Gurparteet Singh has been awarded the national Knauss fellowship and will take leave of the project in 2024 for that fellowship in Washington DC. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We introduced new audiences to Kernza and this project through publications, presentations, and field days as noted in the accomplishments section. Summer field days throughout the country provided opportunities to disseminate Kernza research and on-farm growing techniques through in-person and hands-on learning. This type of in-person information sharing is effective at reaching non-research audiences, including farmers, policymakers, and Extension agents. The updated Grower Guide was released this year, providing a formal tool to pass the most up-to-date research onto farmers and other interested stakeholders. KernzaCAP has a quarterly newsletter with a subscriber base that has grown to over 200. Subscribers include students, researchers, farmers, Extension agents, educators, policymakers, business owners, and more. The KernzaCAP website (www.kernza.org/kernzacap) is also updated regularly to highlight the newest project outcomes. In addition, the project hosted a monthly seminar series that invited collaborators from across the project to share their work and encourage integration. In June 2023, the annual Kernza Conference was held in Minneapolis, MN. 130 attendees spent two days learning about Kernza research and commercialization. Members of every KernzaCAP objective team presented at the meeting. Monthly technical assistance calls bring together a group of technical assistance providers, agronomy researchers, and commercialization staff. These calls foster integration across disciplines. The Kernza Supply Review and the Kernza Demand Review were disseminated to all KernzaCAP partners and everyone who holds a Kernza license. Results were also presented at the annual Kernza Conference and posted online. These resources provided stakeholders with new and important information about the economics of Kernza. The education team sent a monthly newsletter to an audience of 80 educators to gather feedback and beta test modules in the Kernza in Context educational curriculum. These educators will teach the finalized modules to students, ranging from elementary to post-secondary. The Land Institute partnered with local schools to host over 300 students from 14 schools for field trips featuring hands-on activities, helping the education team further test the Kernza in Context lessons. KernzaCAP was featured in many print and web articles throughout the year. Some of these articles were published in major newspapers with a broad public readership, including the Star Tribune, AgWeek, Minnesota Public Radio, CBS News, and more. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1.1: The University of Minnesota Kernza breeding program will continue to evaluate the Cycle 6 population at 2 MN locations in 2024 for important agronomic and domestication traits such as grain yield, seed size, shatter resistance, free threshing, plant height, and disease resistance. Evaluate Cycle 7 for the same traits at the same locations. Best individuals will be selected as parents of new synthetic cultivars. Use data obtained from variety trials to aid in selection of the new Kernza cultivar. 1.2: The team has implemented a strong laboratory and bioinformatics pipeline to go from DNA sequence data to imputed genotypes in seven days or less. Appropriate filtering is needed to make the most use of imputed data, and making the appropriate filters will be a focus over the next year. 1.3: Genomic selection models have been 'in training' and will be applied to select superior genotypes in the University of Minnesota Kernza breeding germplasm. Deposit phenotypic and genotypic data collected on the Cycle 5 population and year 1 of Cycle 6 population in the Kansas State University database near the end of 2023. 1.4: Collect additional data on nutritional quality and storage stability of intermediate wheatgrass ingredients and food products. The data will be generated from grain harvested from plots established at several locations by the agronomy and environmental quality objective teams. 1.5: Collect one additional set of images from the mini-rhizotrons before the end of 2023, and re-image in 2024. The collected images will be processed using RootPainter, a machine-learning software to identify roots from the soil and other non-root mass present in the soil. The processed images will then be analyzed using a feature-extraction program to obtain root properties. 2.1: Collect another year of data in the GEM experiment. Continue analysis of data collected in years 1 and 2. Write a paper sharing results to-date on grain yield and forage yield. 2.2: Collect another year of data in the fertility experiment. Continue analysis of data collected in years 1 and 2. Agronomy data will be used for a paper showing how Kernza establishment and yields are impacted by different soil and climate conditions. 2.3: Collect another year of data from the 3 on-farm experiments. 3.1: Analyze the first two years of water quality data. Perform initial model validation for Kernza using Minnesota data. 3.2: Continue the parameterization process and perform sensitivity scenarios to assess the viability of Kernza to different geographic and climatic factors such as drought and increased temperatures. 3.3: Analyze and collate the first two years of soil health data. The third and final year of field data collection will commence. Publish a paper showing how Kernza establishment and yields are impacted by different soil and climate conditions. 4.1: Grow and support the network of teachers who use educational lessons, including by engaging with high school teachers of agriculture, environmental education, and science. Collaboratively evaluate, revise, and finalize lessons. Decide curriculum publication format, create and implement public launch/dissemination plan, and publish Kernza in Context so that it is freely available. 4.2: Identify what is most needed by Extension staff at this time, especially considering the current market challenges. Consider in-person vs virtual/video educational opportunities and design a toolkit for Extension staff to use as a resource and outreach tool. 4.3: Because most current growers are new to growing Kernza and are experiencing market challenges, they do not feel prepared to host other farmers to talk about Kernza. To address this, the Land Stewardship Project will create a series of producer-targeted, accessible, short videos on Kernza production, harvest and post harvest. The Kernza technical assistance team has confirmed that such videos would be useful. 4.4: Work on this objective has been completed. 4.5: Collect data for RMA that addresses evaluation needs for potential crop insurance products. Continue to educate and encourage farmers to apply for Conservation Crop Rotation cost share benefits and also work with and support NRCS staff in the Great Lake States around the inclusion of perennial grains in this standard under both CSP and EQIP. Help to design and deliver a MN NRCS / Board of Soil and Water Resources Tech Talk on Kernza that will be recorded and available to hundreds of state and federal conservation professionals. 5.1: Reconvene stakeholders who provided feedback during the initial strategic planning process for the Kernza Stewards Alliance. Provide them with project and market updates. 5.2: Conduct a Demand Review that includes input from a broader audience, including in-depth interviews in California. Distribute a national consumer survey to garner 1,000 target consumer perspectives and 300 potential buyer perspectives on perceptions of Kernza. 5.3: Advance market development through consumer research and building out marketing materials. Examine ways to reallocate funds to invest more directly in supply chain and market partners. 5.4: Finalize the supply dashboard pilot and expand it to all Kernza grain growers. Conduct grain monitoring from the 2023 harvest. Create 3 industry kits for brewing, baking, and consumer packaged goods companies. 6.1: Continue to use and update the tools we built for reporting and communications. Continue meetings that are intentionally designed and facilitated to encourage integrative engagement across teams. Continue engagement and relationship building with Kernza stakeholders and other leaders across agriculture and food systems. Continue our monthly seminar series. 6.2: Terra Soma will organize an initial convening to begin development of a Kernza Consortium. Convene other key leadership entities in the Kernza world to define roles and relationships as they relate to Kernza leadership. Continue to explore the future landscape of Kernza funding. 6.3: Draft a modular product of lessons learned through Kernza's development and deployment. This product can inform the next generation of perennial cropping systems. Publish a concept paper to describe the philosophy behind developing Kernza. Revisit the KernzaCAP publication roadmap to plan for publications across the grant as a whole. Continue race & equity subgroup meetings and work on integrating DEI into grant outcomes and project work. 6.4: Continue with current communications channels including updating the website and sending internal and external newsletters. Make a plan for long-term data storage. 6.5: Plan with the evaluation team to determine next steps for current Social Network Analysis data and whether to repeat the Social Network Analysis later in the project. Make a plan to achieve goals around evaluating impact, systems change, emergent learning.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
One of humanity's most urgent challenges is to provide food, feed, and fiber for 10 billion people by 2050 while maintaining natural resources necessary for planetary habitability. Kernza®, the first commercially-available perennial grain crop, can improve environmental sustainability while providing a viable new crop for farmers. In year 3, the project's 6 objective teams advanced Kernza breeding and genetics, increased knowledge about how to grow the crop, improved environmental quality outcomes, engaged education, extension, and policy to build public awareness, developed new products and supply chains, and documented learnings to create a model for future perennial cropping systems. 1.1: The University of Minnesota (UMN) breeding program collected phenotypic data on the 6th cycle breeding population at 2 MN sites. Based on the data, 4 new crossing blocks will be established in 2024 to initiate development of new candidate varieties. The new breeding population, Cycle 7, was selected using genomic prediction models and established at 2 MN sites. The Cycle 7 population comprises approximately 1200 plants, a 20% increase in population size relative to Cycle 6. 1.2: Bioinformatic pipelines and methodology were refined to move from data sets containing tens of thousands of markers to millions of markers. Over 6000 intermediate wheatgrass genets were compiled that have been genotyped with both older and newer skim sequencing methods. 1.3: The UMN breeding program deposited genotypic and phenotypic data from cycles 3 and 4 in the Kansas State University database. The large number of measured phenotypes plus genetic data provide a substantial resource for developing genomic selection methods. 1.4: Kernza samples were analyzed for the proximate composition, gluten aggregation kinetics, dough mixing properties, total starch and starch damage. Increased nitrogen fertilization resulted in an increase in protein content and decreased the maximum viscosity. Nitrogen fertilization did not affect the onset temperature of gelatinization. 1.5: Mini-rhizotrons were used to take root images of the UMN Cycle 6 intermediate wheatgrass breeding population in St. Paul, MN. Data analysis will commence in early 2024. 2.1: A second year of data was collected across 5 locations for the GEM trial (genotype x environment x management). This trial is evaluating row spacing and legume intercropping effects on growth, yield, and yield longevity in 4 breeding lines. The team collected data including grain and forage yield, weed counts, stand counts, lodging, growth stage, and plant height. Data was added to the project's data management system and analysis is underway. 2.2: A second year of grain and forage yield data was collected on the fertility trial across 6 locations. This experiment is evaluating the optimal amount and timing of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium application to maximize grain yields and minimize nitrate loss. Data was added to the project's data management system and analysis is underway. 2.3: On-farm trials are active on 3 farms. Farmers collected data on yield and biomass production. Soils were analyzed for similar soil health and nutrient levels as in the fertility trial. 3.1: A second year of lysimeter data and soil moisture data were collected and analysis is underway. A lysimeter rewetting protocol was tested at UMN to facilitate faster sample collection after drought in future years. Scoping and planning for the water quality monitoring work is complete; the team will perform initial runs of the model this fall. 3.2: Parameterization and verification of the NOAH-MP land surface model for Kernza continues using eddy covariance tower data from The Land Institute. This model will be used to assess water and carbon dynamics across the treatments and in relation to climate perturbations. 3.3: Data processing and quality checks are underway for 2021 and 2022 data. A second year of soil health samples was collected from the fertility trial, and a second year of N mineralization data was collected from the fertility and GEM trials. Soil water infiltration measurements were taken and are being entered and processed. 4.1: The team drafted 16 new educational lessons for a current total of nearly 30 lessons on topics that align with high school standards. Lessons are disseminated via monthly newsletters to 79 network members for review and testing. Partners at UW-Madison and The Land Institute are testing and evaluating the lessons. 4.2: Monthly Extension cohort meetings facilitated learning and sharing across Extension cohort members. A regional payment scenario for the Great Lakes States is being developed by Minnesota for other regions to adopt if they wish. 4.3: KernzaCAP partners hosted over 20 field days throughout the United States. These events brought together farmers, researchers, market partners, and more. An updated Kernza Grower Guide was released to share the latest agronomic research with farmers. 4.4: Work on this objective was completed in previous years. 4.5: The policy team developed program points of entry in the Farm Bill framework to support Kernza as a novel perennial grain crop. Program support includes crop certification for Kernza grain and forage, Conservation Stewardship Program eligibility, and developing a framework for farmer data sharing to evaluate RMA crop insurance products. 5.1: Last year, the team developed a strategic plan to build a Kernza Stewards Alliance (KSA). Further development of the KSA is temporarily on hold because the determined structure will require additional funding to incorporate a perpetual purpose trust. 5.2: The first Kernza Demand Review was conducted, providing valuable information on pricing of the grain. Interviews with potential Kernza market partners provided additional information on the state of the market. 5.3: The team worked to successfully avert a seed shortage in 2022. 10,000 pounds of Kernza were secured for processing research with Perennial Pantry. 20,000 pounds of Kernza were redistributed to build an experiment to understand price sensitivity. A pilot marketing campaign working group was formed. 5.4: Based on feedback from the Demand Review, work was undertaken to develop a supply dashboard, develop a grain monitoring network to evaluate Kernza quality, build consumer education tools and target market strategies, and create industry-specific recipes. 6.1: KernzaCAP continues to use the project management and communications infrastructure built in year 1. Regular meetings encourage project-wide integration and communications. A monthly seminar series brought together collaborators to engage with topics across the project. 6.2: The team contracted with Terra Soma to design and lead a series of focus groups to assess the role of a Kernza Consortium. Planning for an initial Consortium convening is underway. 6.3: A world cafe activity at the annual all-hands meeting gathered perspectives on what's working well with the project and Kernza work, what could be changed, and how to collaboratively set priorities. The team began to compile information for a "lessons learned" document that will become the final product for this objective. 6.4: A data management subgroup set up data collection templates for all sites and wrote a script to compile data across sites. A data collection and use protocol was written to outline how data is collected, review QA/QC protocols, and define rules for data usage. Data was disseminated through existing forums including the website and newsletters. 6.5: The evaluation team created a draft report based on the results of a Social Network Analysis conducted in 2022. The team honed and finalized the evaluation workplan for years 4 and 5 to measure project impact, network reach, and team functioning.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Crain, J., Larson, S., Sthapit, S., Jensen, K., Dorn, K., Poland, J., Thomas, A., & DeHaan, L. (2022, November 8). Molecular Characterization of the Origin of the Perennial Grain Kernza [Conference presentation]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/141282
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Olugbenle, O., & Picasso, V. (2022, November 8). Does Spring and Fall Nitrogen Fertilization Affect Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass after Five Years? [Conference presentation]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/142490
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Shoenberger, E., & Picasso, V. (2022, November 8). Managing Inter-Row Spacing and Nitrogen Fertility in Dual-Use Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) to Sustain Grain Yield over Time [Conference presentation]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/142654
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Bianchin Rebesquini, R., Basche, A., Picasso, V., Jungers, J., & Culman, S. (2022, November 8). The Impact of Nitrogen Rates across Sites and Years on Intermediate Wheatgrass Grain Yields: A Meta-Analysis [Conference presentation]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/143883
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Brunsell, N. (2023, May 2). Assessing the Potential Environmental Benefits of Perennial Agriculture. Conference on Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. Minneapolis, MN.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Singh, G., Gutknecht, J., & Jungers, J. (2023, August 6). Nitrate Leaching and Crop Yield for Intermediate Wheatgrass (Kernza�) in the US Midwest [Conference presentation]. Soil Water Conservation Society. Des Moines, IA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Meier, E., Singh, G., Guolong, L., Wilson, A., & Carrillo, L. (2023, August 6). Personal reflections on the cultural roots of conservation: Connecting past to future in shaping a legacy of sustainability in agriculture [Conference presentation]. Soil Water Conservation Society. Des Moines, IA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Rebesquini, R. (2023, August 7). Assessing fertility needs, crop yields, and environmental benefits of intermediate wheatgrass in Eastern Nebraska. Soil and Water Conservation Society Annual Meeting. Des Moines, IA.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Pinto, P., Cartoni-Casamitjana, S., Cureton, C., Stevens, A., Stoltenberg, D., Zimbric, J. & Picasso, V. (2022). Intercropping legumes and intermediate wheatgrass increases forage yield, nutritive value, and profitability without reducing grain yields. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2022.977841
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Wiesner, S., Duff, A., Niemann, K., Desai, A., Crews, T., Picasso, V., Riday, H., & Stoy, P. (2022). Growing season carbon dynamics differ in intermediate wheatgrass monoculture versus biculture with red clover. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2022.109062
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Dobbratz, M., Jungers, J., Gutknecht, J. (2023). Seasonal Plant Nitrogen Use and Soil N pools in Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium). Agriculture, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020468
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Vico, G., Tang, F., Brunsell, N., Crews, T., & Katul, G. (2023). Photosynthetic capacity, canopy size and rooting depth mediate response to heat and water stress of annual and perennial grain crops. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 341. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2023.109666
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
DeHaan, L., Anderson, J., Bajgain, P., Basche, A., Cattani, D., Crain, J., Crews, T., David, C., Duchene, O., Gutknecht, J. and Hayes, R., Hui, F., Jungers, J., Knudsen, S., Kong, W., Larson, S., Lundquist, P., Luo, G., Miller, A., Nabukalu, P., Newell, M., Olsson, L., Palmgren, M., Paterson, A., Picasso, V., Poland, J., Sacks, E., Wang, S., Westerberg, A. (2023). Discussion: Prioritize perennial grain development for sustainable food production and environmental benefits. Science of The Total Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164975
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Culman, S., Pinto, P., Pugliese, J., Crews, T., DeHaan, L., Jungers, J., Larsen, J., Ryan, M., Schipanski, M., Sulc, M., Wayman, S., Wiedenhoeft, M., Stoltenberg, D., & Picasso, V. (2023). Forage harvest management impacts Kernza intermediate wheatgrass productivity across North America. Agronomy, 00, 115. https://doi.org/10.1002/agj2.21402
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Shoenberger, E., Jungers, J., Law, E., Keene, C., DiTommaso, A., Sheaffer, C., Wyse, D., Picasso, V., & Stoltenberg, D. (accepted). Synthetic auxin herbicides do not injure intermediate wheatgrass or affect grain yield. Weed Technology.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Tang, F., Crews, T., Brunsell, N., & Vico, G. (in review). Perennial intermediate wheatgrass accumulates more soil organic carbon than annual winter wheat a model assessment. Plant and Soil.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Cureton, C., Peters, T., Skelly, S., Carlson, C., Conway, T., Tautges, N., Reser, A., Jordan, N. (in press). Towards a practical theory for commercializing novel continuous living cover crops: A conceptual review through the lens of Kernza Perennial Grain, 2019-2022. Frontiers for Sustainable Food systems.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Pinto, P., & Picasso, V. (2022, September 1). Planting season and legume species affect grain and forage yield in Kernza intermediate wheatgrass perennial intercrops. European Society for Agronomy meeting. Potsdam, Germany.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Singh, G., Gutknecht, J., & Jungers, J. (2022, November 8). Nitrate Leaching and Crop Yield for Intermediate Wheatgrass (Kernza�) in the US Midwest [Conference presentation]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/146178
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2022
Citation:
Jungers, J., Anderson, J. A., Bajgain, P., Cureton, C., DeHaan, L., Gutknecht, J. L., Hartman, A., Meier, E., Peters, T., Picasso, V. D., Reser, A., Ritter, T., Streit Krug, A., & Tautges, N. (2022, November 8). Developing and Deploying Kernza, a Perennial Grain Crop [Conference presentation]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD. https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2022am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/143433
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Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22
Outputs
Target Audience:Our objective teams reached different audiences throughout this reporting period. We will outline each team's efforts and the audience they reached. Germplasm and Trait Evaluation: Audience was primarily fellow researchers and peers in the scientific community through collaboration and presentations. Presentations at field days reached farmers and other field day attendees. Agronomy and On-Farm Knowledge: Audience was primarily current and prospective Kernza growers and the research community. The team generated field research data on growth and yield performance; the results of these trials and observations were communicated to growers and the research community through online and print publications, webinars, and in-person presentations. The team also worked directly with 4 growers in on-farm trials to apply treatments and implement on-farm research. Environmental Quality: The team worked with farmers and KernzaCAP collaborators to carry out experiments. Team members also gave presentations throughout the reporting period to audiences that included the research community and external stakeholders including farmers, state legislators, state agency personnel, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Education: High school students are the target audience for the Kernza in Context curriculum. The team conducted site visits to high schools and interviewed teachers about their interests and needs when seeking out curricula. A high school teacher Advisory Group was formed and supported based on these connections. University instructors beta tested modules for college courses. Extension: Extension educators participated in the KernzaCAP Extension Cohort from the primary Kernza growing states of Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Field days and educational events hosted by KernzaCAP reached farmers, collaborator institutions, existing and interested Kernza growers, researchers from within KernzaCAP and beyond, agency and nonprofit conservation staff and educators, and food supply chain and market partners and community leaders. Policy: Target audiences in Minnesota included state legislators and Minnesota environmental agency and department staff. Target audiences regionally and nationally included organizations and coalitions that engage in agricultural and environmental public policy on state and federal levels and staff at the USDA agencies of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Risk Management Agency (RMA). Supply Chains and Economics: The team worked with supply chain stakeholders, including growers (both licensed and prospective), handlers, distributors, processors, and food manufacturers. Through the development of the Kernza Stewards Alliance, they also worked with experts on alternative business models and members of research and commodity groups for different crops. Integration: Audience was primarily internal project collaborators, with a focus on project management and communication across grant collaborators. A Social Network Analysis was launched that reached a wide net of Kernza stakeholders including farmers, businesses, policymakers, community organizers, and researchers. In addition, the team took oversight of a SAS CAP project managers virtual peer group, which built relationships and communication channels between KernzaCAP and other SAS CAP projects across the country. Changes/Problems:Many meetings and conferences were moved online, which led to underspending of travel funds. We reviewed budgets with all teams and created a plan to spend the funds in year 3 and beyond to complete work as planned. Project co-PI Steve Culman left the Ohio State University for another position. This role was filled by an existing member of the Ohio State University team, Dr. Leonardo Deiss. No changes in the scope of work were made. Project co-PI Carrie Laboski left University of Wisconsin-Madison for another position. No changes in the scope of work were made. We anticipate a shift in Goal 2, Objective 2: "Develop a low-cost genotyping approach that leverages recently completed IWG genome sequence to genotype larger breeding populations." Given the low cost of sequencing and improved output, the germplasm and trait evaluation team plans to sequence the whole genome at a low coverage (i.e. skim-seq) instead of using exome-capture. This change will not alter the workplan or outcome of the project. The Kernza variety trial failed to establish at one of the six experiment sites. That site abandoned the initial planting and performed a new planting in fall 2022. One year of data will be missing from one site. The team discussed how to learn from the experience and communicate establishment factors successfully to growers. The education team revised their curriculum design process based on interviews and site visits with local high school teachers. This will not change project outcomes, but will provide teachers with increased flexibility by creating curriculum "modules" that can be taught individually or in groups. The development and incorporation of the Kernza Stewards Alliance will require an additional 6 months to a year, but the scope of work remains the same. The evolving leadership landscape for Kernza may require a shift in goal 6, objective 2: "Co-create and actualize a Kernza Consortium to serve as a multi-stakeholder leadership body." We are staying attuned to the dynamics in Kernza leadership, including the development of the Kernza Stewards Alliance, and will modify this objective accordingly as multi-stakeholder leadership advances now through the KSA. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Agronomy objective team members participated in monthly Kernza Technical Assistance meetings, which included some training and professional development opportunities for participating agronomic professionals. Nine summer field days provided practical training for attendees, including farmers, policymakers, and supply chain partners. A graduate student contributing to water quality work attended a Python programming course. A high school teacher advisory group consisting of high school teachers from Minnesota and Kansas met 4 times over the course of the year. This group received training on how to teach Kernza-related lessons created through KernzaCAP. An Extension cohort of 11 Extension educators throughout Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin was launched. Cohort members attended field days and learned methods to "train the trainer" on Kernza production. Outreach events were hosted throughout the year, including a webinar for organizations and coalitions that engage in agricultural public policy, a winter workshop on cover crops and perennial cover, the 2022 Kernza Conference, a presentation at the NRCS Central Region agronomists meeting, and a legislative field discussion to build on the work of the Minnesota legislative session. All of these events provided participants with knowledge and education on Kernza. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We introduced new audiences to Kernza and this project through presentations, talks, and field days, as noted in the products and accomplishments sections of this report. We anticipate more publications and conference presentations will happen as more data is collected throughout the grant. Several journal articles are currently in review. Summer field days throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Kansas provided opportunities to disseminate Kernza research and on-farm growing techniques through in-person and hands-on learning. This type of in-person information sharing is effective at reaching non-research audiences, including farmers, policymakers, and Extension agents. Blogs and newsletters of partner organizations including Friends of the Mississippi River, the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, the Sustainable Farming Association of MN, Artisan Grain Collaborative, and Michael Fields Agricultural Institute disseminated KernzaCAP research and learnings to their membership bases, which are focused broadly on environmental issues and/or sustainable agriculture. KernzaCAP has a quarterly newsletter with a subscriber base that has grown to over 200. Subscribers include students, researchers, farmers, Extension agents, educators, policymakers, business owners, and more. The KernzaCAP website is also updated regularly. In April 2022, the annual Kernza Conference was held in Salina, Kansas. 130 virtual and in-person attendees spent two days learning about Kernza research and commercialization. Members of every KernzaCAP objective team presented at the meeting. This annual conference was identified in our Social Network Analysis as the top venue for Kernza stakeholders to exchange information. Monthly technical assistance calls bring together a group of technical assistance providers, agronomy researchers, and commercialization staff. These calls foster integration across disciplines. The education team launched a newsletter with an initial audience of 57 educators and people interested in beta testing the KernzaCAP curriculum modules. These relationships were built through site visits to high schools and in-depth focus groups and interviews with 16 high school teachers, most of whom have never worked with Kernza before. The KernzaCAP curriculum is introducing high school students to Kernza and concepts of perennial agriculture. KernzaCAP was featured in many print and web articles throughout the year. Some of these articles were published in major newspapers with a broad public readership, including the Star Tribune, AgWeek, Minnesota Public Radio, Nebraska Public Media, and the Washington Post. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Goal 1 obj 1: The University of Minnesota breeding program will evaluate the Cycle 6 population at two MN locations. Data obtained from new and existing variety trials will help in the selection of a new Kernza cultivar. Goal 1 obj 2: We will sequence 20 of the IWG parent plants of the amphiploids and 20 of the resultant Kernza-Carthlicum crosses at 15-20X coverage. The 20 unique amphiploids will provide 20 sequenced haplotypes from which we can bioinformatically infer inheritability and proximity of genetic material since both the parent and the amphiploid will be sequenced. This will provide a reference panel of 40 haplotypes of current breeding material with which to computationally infer breeding outcomes. Goal 1 obj 3: Genomic selection models have been 'in training' and will be applied to select superior genotypes in the germplasm. Draft a manuscript to summarize the progress in model training and cross-population predictions. Phenotypic and genotypic data collected on the Cycle 5 population will be deposited in the Kansas State University database. Goal 1 obj 4: Grain harvested from plots established at 6 locations will be used to evaluate nutritional quality and storage stability of intermediate wheatgrass ingredients and food products. Goal 1 obj 5: Collect and analyze root samples with assistance from the agronomy team. Install rhizotrons to obtain root measurements. Goal 2 obj 1: Repeat the same GxExM experiment and associated measurements. Goal 2 obj 2: Repeat the same fertility trial and associated measurements. Goal 2 obj 3: Repeat the same sampling, observation, and harvest procedures for 4 on-farm trial sites. Goal 3 obj 1: Continue ongoing water quality data collection. Begin initial model optimization and compare model optimization between water quality and greenhouse gas emissions models. Goal 3 obj 2: Continue ongoing greenhouse gas data collection. Publish a concept paper on sustainability and climate smart agriculture. Goal 3 obj 3: Continue ongoing soil health data collection. Publish an experimental design paper on soil characteristics, fertilization, and Kernza establishment. Goal 4 obj 1: Complete remaining lesson drafts for the "Kernza in Context" curriculum. Continue the beta testing process and collect beta testing feedback from collaborators. Use feedback to revise lessons and multimedia content. Goal 4 obj 2: Continue to shape and deliver the Extension cohort experience and syllabus. Goal 4 obj 3: Beta test and launch the CitSci online forum to connect growers and researchers. Plan and host summer field days. Goal 4 obj 4: Outputs for this objective have been completed. Goal 4 obj 5: Outreach to Risk Management Agency and Farm Services Agency to facilitate future implementation, adoption, and support programs for Kernza. Provide RMA with requested data and proof of Kernza pricing. Share findings for RMA's consideration of an insurance product for Kernza. Goal 5 obj 1: Finalize Governance and Equity frameworks for the Kernza Stewards Alliance. Develop bylaws and hire a consultant to lead legal incorporation of the organization. Goal 5 obj 2: Conduct an initial case study assessment of consumer relationship building around Kernza-specific products and markets. Goal 5 obj 3: Vet 100+ grower applications, create a framework for conducting demand reviews at regional levels, and begin conducting demand reviews in 5 target geographies (Upper Midwest, Mountain West, West Coast, North East, Central Plains). Finalize a case study for business development. Produce comprehensive reporting based on anonymized information from business partners, including demand and scale information. Goal 5 obj 4: Develop an ecosystem services payment structure based on COMET farm's inclusion of Kernza. Goal 6 obj 1: Continue to use and update project tools for communications, data management, and reporting. Continue regular meeting structure to encourage integration across objective teams. Assist with planning the annual Kernza Conference. Continue the KernzaCAP monthly lunchtime seminar series. Goal 6 obj 2: Engage in a planning process with consultant Terra Soma to determine how to engage non-licensees in the Kernza Stewards Alliance and Kernza shared leadership more broadly. Goal 6 obj 3: Continue bi-annual reflection conversations at the Coordinating Team to capture lessons learned and best practices for developing a new perennial crop. Capture and synthesize written reflections through annual reporting. Publish a Kernza timeline that can inform new perennial crops. Continue race & equity subgroup meetings to integrate DEI into grant outcomes. Goal 6 obj 4: Maintain communications channels including the website and internal and external newsletters. Begin centralizing and analyzing data from field experiments. Make a plan for long-term data storage. Goal 6 obj 5: Disseminate results from the Social Network Analysis. Send a team functioning survey after the annual all-hands meeting to inform future work. Continue race and equity baselining questions at all-hands meetings. Revisit the evaluation workplan to plan for measuring impact, systems change and emergent learnings in later years of the grant.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
One of humanity's most urgent challenges is to provide food, feed, andfiber for 10 billion people by 2050 while maintaining natural resources necessary for planetary habitability. Kernza®, the first commercially-available perennial grain crop, can improve environmental sustainability while providing a viable new crop for farmers. In year 2, the project's 6 objective teams advanced Kernza breeding and genetics;increased knowledge about how to grow the crop;improved environmental quality outcomes;engaged education, extension, and policy to build public awareness;developed new products and supply chains;and documented learnings to create a model for future perennial cropping systems. 1.1: Phenotyped the 5th cycle breeding population at 2 MN locations. 46 plants were selected as parents of new synthetic varieties and will be cloned and transplanted in the field. The 6th cycle breeding population was established in August with 1008 plants, an 80% increase from cycle 5. A new variety trial was initiated including synthetic variety candidates from 3 different cohorts and MN-Clearwater. 1.2: Utilized skim-sequencing techniques (whole genome sequencing of plants at less than 1X coverage, currently targeting 0.1X or less) to reduce costs of genomic selection. Focused on an existing population of Kernza-Carthlicum amphiploids. These are wide crosses between intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) and tetraploid wheat, and the resulting embryo has a single (haploid) copy of both IWG and wheat. This will provide a reference panel of 40 haplotypes of current breeding material with which to impute low coverage skim-sequencing data. 1.3: Deposited genotypic and phenotypic data from breeding cycles 3 and4 in the Kansas State University database. These data provide a resource for developing genomic selection methods. Genomic selection models are currently being trained and evaluated for the project's breeding programs. 1.4: Populations for this objective were harvested this summer. Analysis will begin next year. 1.5: Populations for this objective were harvested this summer. Analysis will begin next year. 2.1: Established an experiment (genetics by environment by management, or GxExM) across 6 research sites to evaluate row spacing and legume intercropping effects on growth, yield, andyield longevity in 4 breeding lines. Collected data including weed counts, stand counts, lodging, growth stage, plant height, and grain and biomass production. 2.2: Established fertility trials across 6 research sites to evaluate the optimal amount and timing of nitrogen, phosphorus, andpotassium application to maximize IWG grain yields and minimize nitrate loss. The trials also include treatments with annual row crops for comparison. Collected data including weed counts, stand counts, lodging, growth stage, plant height, and grain and biomass production. 2.3: Engaged 4 farmers in planning for on-farm trials. Each farmer identified treatments of interest and the research team coordinated additional research questions. The farmers planted Kernza and applied fertility treatments in fall and spring. Soil samples were collected to track soil fertility status and soil carbon changes over time. The team also monitored weeds and grain and biomass production. 3.1: Gathered data from the fertility study (see 2.2), including collecting lysimeter data every 2 weeks. Developed and installed a system of cameras and sensors to automate the recording of surface water runoff. 3.2: Developed field sampling strategies with the agronomy team. Worked on parameterization and verification of the NOAH-MP land surface model, which will assess water and carbon dynamics across treatments and in relation to climate perturbations. 3.3: Took soil samples at different depths on all 6 treatments of the fertility trial (see 2.2) and mineralization in GxExM (see 2.1). The samples are being processed and will be analyzed this winter. 4.1: Drafted anddistributed 11 lessons in the Kernza in Context curriculum for beta testing. Formed a high school teacher advisory group that met 4 times to inform lesson creation and advise on curriculum needs. 4.2: Recruited 11 Extension professionals in ND, WI, MN, and KS to participate in a yearlong schedule of experiences. Hosted a cohort kickoff meeting in June and participants attended field days over the summer. The cohort reconvened in September to teach each other about what they learned. 4.3: Growers and researchers connected through field days, podcasts, grower calls, andconferences. Developed an online forum to capture grower questions and spark dialogue. Drafted a launch plan for the forum to curate it and encourage use. 4.4: During the MN state legislative session, partners successfully advocated for $2.5 million in new appropriations for Kernza research anddevelopment and establishment of a state grant program. Hosted educational meetings including a webinar for environmental advocates and a legislative field session that brought together bipartisan state legislative leaders, industry andfarming representatives, nonprofit leaders, andacademics. 4.5: Engaged NRCS staff in MN, ND, WI, and KS to explore entry points for Kernza, including updating technical notes and practice standards. Perennial grains were formally adopted into the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program Practice E328O, providing cost-share opportunities for farmers and a new baseline for increasing adoption of Kernza through more CSP and EQIP practices. 5.1: Engaged in strategic planning to build the Kernza Stewards Alliance. 36 hours of direct stakeholder input informed the organization's mission, vision, and values; a governance model; a revenue model; and an equity framework. The team developed bylaws and identified next steps for legal incorporation. 5.2: Supply chain partners including farmers, co-ops, andbusinesses conducted initial market research for their own supplies of grain. The team will use this information to begin a regional demand review process. 5.3: Conducted a supply review to create a comprehensive report on Kernza planted and harvested. Created a basic capital model for processing facilities at various volumes. Worked with licensed Kernza seed sources and growers to identify and avert a seed shortage through new releases and increasing inventory. Vetted 104 grower applications. 5.4: Hosted a panel discussion with 4 perspectives on Kernza in carbon markets. More work on this objective is planned for next year. 6.1: Continued using and updating project infrastructure including a collaborator website, reporting system, quarterly newsletter, anddata sharing tools. Launched a monthly seminar series. Continued a regular meeting schedule for collaborators and the advisory committee to encourage project-wide integration and communications. 6.2: Work to develop a multi-stakeholder leadership body is starting through the Kernza Stewards Alliance (see 5.1). Engaged with other hubs of Kernza leadership including the Perennial Promise Growers Cooperative and the Forever Green Partnership who will play an important role in any future shared leadership entity. 6.3: Honed a facilitation plan to collect reflections to inform a model for future perennial crops. Hosted discussions at Coordinating Team meetings and an all-collaborator meeting to collect preliminary information. Began work on a Kernza timeline and narrative history. 6.4: Set up data collection infrastructure andstarted collating andanalyzing data across experiment sites. Shared learnings through our website, quarterly newsletters, presentations, and field days. 6.5: Designed a Social Network Analysis, sent to 281 Kernza stakeholders with a 54% response rate. The survey will be repeated in year 5 to help understand network growth and impact. Sent collaborators a team functioning survey and race and equity baselining questions that will be repeated throughout the grant.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Jos� G. Franco, Marisol T. Berti, John H. Grabber, John R. Hendrickson, Christine C. Nieman, Priscila Pinto, David Van Tassel, and Valent�n D. Picasso. 2021. Ecological Intensification of Food Production by Integrating Forages. Agronomy 2021, 11, 2580. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122580
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Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21
Outputs
Target Audience:Our objective teams reached different audiences throughout this reporting period. We will outline each team's efforts and the audience they reached. Germplasm and Trait Evaluation: This team primarily reached fellow researchers and peers in the scientific community through collaboration and presentations. Agronomy and On-Farm Knowledge: This team worked with researchers, students and farmers. Field research trials were collaboratively planned and implemented in a way that will meet requirements for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, generate relevant information for grain farmers or potential Kernza farmers, and serve as effective demonstration sites for field day attendees. Environmental Quality: Team members worked with farmers and KernzaCAP collaborators to design experiments. Team members also gave presentations throughout the reporting period, with audiences that included the research community and external stakeholders including farmer audiences, state legislators, state agency personnel, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Education: 16 teacher-researchers, educators, and students were interviewed to inform curriculum development, ranging across ten different institutions, from graduate students to faculty at high schools, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and land-grant universities. Extension: Existing and interested Kernza growers were targeted for a series of Grower Calls in February 2021 and a series of field days in July 2021. Processors, food and beverage companies, community leaders, NGOs and soil, water and conservation educators were also targeted for field days. The team had initial conversations with select Cooperative Extension staff, educators, and administrators at institutions where Kernza is being researched and produced - Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Policy: The policy team had contact and meetings with state-level NRCS staff and others working closely with NRCS staff on behalf of producers in the primary states where Kernza is being grown - Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin so far; Kansas to come. The policy team hosted an educational session for state level decision makers in July, which included members of the MN legislature, MN Clean Water Council, and representatives of natural resource-based state agencies and nonprofits. Supply Chains and Economics: The team worked with supply chain stakeholders, including growers, handlers, distributors, processors, and food manufacturers. These stakeholders provided early input for the development of a Kernza Stewards Alliance to cooperatively manage the future of Kernza in the marketplace. Integration: The integration team's audience in year 1 was largely internal project collaborators, with a focus on project management and project communication across grant collaborators. A key integration strategy of this grant is to take a systems approach and liaise with peer leaders, organizations and other large funding initiatives related to perennial agriculture. To that end, the integration team began building partnerships and shared strategy across other SAS CAPs, FFAR projects, and initiatives such as New Roots International and Partnering for Perennial Agriculture. Changes/Problems:The COVID pandemic required meeting virtually instead of in person in many cases, which may have slowed team building and delayed some project activities. This did not measurably alter the results of the project, but did lead to underspending compared to what was budgeted for year 1. We did not spend much of our travel budget and some experiments were delayed due to lack of access to necessary sites and tools during COVID. We have reviewed year 1 budgets with all teams and created a plan to spend the funds in year 2 and beyond to complete work as planned. Given the low cost of sequencing and improved output, the germplasm and trait evaluation team plans to sequence the whole genome at a low coverage (i.e. skim-seq) instead of using exome-capture. This change will not alter the workplan or outcome of the project. Project co-PI Jesse Poland left Kansas State University for another position. This role was filled by an existing member of the Poland Lab, Jared Crain. No changes in the scope of work were made. On-farm experiments were not planted in fall 2020 as proposed. Instead, year 1 was spent baseline sampling. This change will help us better understand how water quality and soil health start to develop in the initiation year of Kernza. Experiments were planted in fall 2021 and the team will still be able to carry out all deliverables as expected. The greenhouse gas emissions work could not begin as planned because of limited access to eddy flux sites during the COVID pandemic. This work will begin in year 2 and will not change the outcomes of the project. Some funds in the University of Minnesota's Education, Extension, and Policy budget were repurposed to better engage partners. This included supporting travel for farmers for field days and repurposing unused funds to update the Kernza Growers Guide, which is a widely used outreach tool that will help disseminate project learnings. The evolving leadership landscape for Kernza may require a shift in Goal 6, objective 2: "Co-create and actualize a Kernza Consortium to serve as a multi-stakeholder leadership body." We are staying attuned to the dynamics in Kernza leadership and will modify this objective accordingly in future years of the grant to best serve the needs of long-term Kernza governance. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Agronomy objective team members participated in monthly Kernza Technical Assistance meetings, which included some training and professional development opportunities for participating agronomic professionals. A series of four Grower Calls in February 2021 provided training and professional development for external partners looking to learn about Kernza. Five field days in July 2021 provided training and professional development for attendees, including farmers, policymakers, and supply chain partners. KernzaCAP collaborators Tessa Peters and Aaron Reser received a mentorship match through the Food Systems Leadership Network to work with the Intertribal Agriculture Council Director of Programs Kelsey Ducheneaux-Scott. Goals of this mentoring relationship included sparking new partnerships and seeking IAC's direct feedback on the KernzaCAP project and future perennial cropping systems broadly. Four KernzaCAP objective group leads are engaging in a mentorship opportunity with A-Dae Briones with the First Nations Development Institute, centering around exploration of our language and conceptualization of perennial crops and cropping systems across different worldviews as well as relationship building and deep listening. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We have introduced multiple groups to this project through presentations, talks, and field days, as noted in our accomplishments section. We anticipate more publications and conference presentations will happen as more data is collected throughout the grant. Summer field days were organized to disseminate Kernza research and on-farm growing techniques through in-person and hands-on learning. Attendees also sampled Kernza products. This type of in-person sharing is effective at reaching non-research audiences, including farmers, policymakers, and ag agents. Blogs and newsletters of partner organizations - including Friends of the Mississippi River, the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, and the Sustainable Farming Association of MN - disseminated KernzaCAP research and learnings to their membership bases, which are focused broadly on environmental issues and water quality. The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute conducted a Kernza awareness campaign through their newsletter to target home grain users, who are not members of the traditional agricultural audience. Agronomy objective team members worked with the Artisan Grain Collaborative to organize talks with professional bakers and grain end users to build awareness around the importance of market development for Kernza in order to grow demand and increase acreage. Kernza licensees receive key information and products through The Land Institute. A four-part comprehensive Kernza call series shared research and commercialization updates with hundreds of participants, including researchers, farmers, and supply chain partners. KernzaCAP was featured in many print and web articles leading up to and following the summer field days. Some of these articles were published in major newspapers with a broad public readership. Some examples include: https://www.startribune.com/new-co-op-in-western-minnesota-aims-to-capitalize-on-kernza/600076193 https://issuu.com/starpublications/docs/ca_acbf0c76c7adf6/s/12847652 https://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/st-peter-farm-epicenter-of-newly-emerging-kernza-industry/article_4ce53140-eafc-11eb-bde7-2f53d75bc51a.html https://kernza.org/intermediate-wheatgrass-returns-fields-to-grass-like-prairies-of-long-ago https://dirtrichmn.podbean.com/e/34-the-potential-of-perennial-crops-kernza/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS89GXgvNNM&list=PLeaJvDnTCwRpUiJ79gqMbcO1lZ9mXWjGe&index=5 https://landstewardshipproject.org/podcast/ear-to-the-ground-no-259-kernzas-stress-test/ What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Goal 1 obj 1: The Kernza breeding program will continue to evaluate the cycle 5 population at two MN locations in 2022. In fall 2022, the Kernza breeding program will establish the cycle 6 population in the field. Goal 1 obj 2: Skim sequence over 100 breeding lines and up to 1,000 plants from the training population to form a large data set to develop whole genome imputation models. Develop the bioinformatic methods and tools that can utilize low genome coverage while providing reliable genotype imputation. Goal 1 obj 3: Genomic selection models will be trained and applied to select superior genotypes in the UMN Kernza breeding germplasm. The superior genotypes will be inter-mated in the greenhouse to obtain progeny which will comprise the cycle 6 population. Phenotypic and genotypic data collected on cycle 5 population will be deposited in the KSU database near the end of 2022. Goal 1 obj 4: Grain harvested from trials established for the Agronomy and Environmental Quality objective teams will be used to evaluate nutritional quality and storage stability of IWG ingredients and food products. Goal 1 obj 5: Collect and analyze root samples with assistance from the agronomy team. Install rhizotrons to obtain root measurements. Goal 2: For all objectives under this goal (Enhance agronomic and on-farm knowledge of IWG grain production systems), the team is on track and will follow the agency-approved plan. Goal 3 obj 1: Collect lysimeter data, deploy camera-based monitoring systems to track run-off from different treatments (Kernza vs. annual systems), and start testing models. Analyze data as it is collected. Goal 3 obj 2: Begin optimizing GHG models for Kernza and start analyzing data from eddy flux towers that are established in Kernza and comparison fields. Goal 3 obj 3: Data analysis for baseline samples will be integrated into the data management structure. Goal 4 obj 1: Hire two researchers to accelerate educational module development and continue with the process of beta-testing and revision. Develop a strategy for expanded high school engagement and more intentional interactions with other objective groups to begin connecting research results with module development in the coming years. Goal 4 obj 2: Host a series of planning meetings with the core extension team to plot out the cohort experience that will begin in earnest in year 3. The final list of extension educator participants will be confirmed by June 2022 and the immersive experience will launch shortly thereafter with grower, research, and industry visits. Goal 4 obj 3: Build a series of educational events for Kernza growers and researchers to continue to connect in-person and online. Test and launch an online platform for grower/research communication and feedback. Update and distribute the Kernza Grower Guide. Goal 4 obj 4: Host a follow-up educational classroom session with attendees from the Minnesota decision maker's field day. Host a regional briefing in late 2021 targeting national organizations and coalitions that engage in agricultural/environmental public policy on state and federal levels. Goal 4 obj 5: The team will follow the agency-approved plan for this effort (Construct a national framework for IWG adoption opportunities through state and federal conservation programs). Goal 5: For all objectives under this goal (Develop supply chains and economic drivers for Kernza), the team is on track and will follow the agency-approved plan. The team plans to scale the number of Kernza acres planted, with an estimated 50-100% acre increase nationally in the next reporting period. Goal 6 obj 1: Conduct a Social Network Analysis and relationship building with both existing grant collaborators and Kernza stakeholders beyond project collaborators. Goal 6 obj 2: The Kernza Stewards Alliance (KSA) will be the near-term focus of the collective leadership objective. Continue considering the role for a Kernza Consortium in relationship to the rapidly evolving KSA and other cross-sector collaborative leadership efforts aligned with KernzaCAP. Goal 6 obj 3: Develop a shared Kernza history and timeline. Goal 6 obj 4: Decide on and use a platform for long-term data storage, implement our data sharing and co-authorship policy, curate data to ensure quality and accuracy, and focus on disseminating learnings from the project. Goal 6 obj 5: Build out and learn from evaluation tools, launch a Social Network Analysis.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
One of humanity's most urgent challenges is to provide food, feed, and fiber for 10 billion people by 2050 while maintaining natural resources necessary for agriculture and planetary habitability. Kernza®, the first commercially-available perennial grain crop, can improve environmental sustainability while providing a viable new crop for farmers. In year 1, the project's 6 objective teams advanced Kernza breeding and genetics, increased knowledge about how to grow the crop, improved environmental quality outcomes, engaged education, extension, and policy to build public awareness of Kernza, developed new products and supply chains, and documented learnings to create a model for new perennial cropping systems. Goal 1 obj 1: Phenotyped the 5th cycle breeding population at 2 MN locations. Data was used to select a large breeding population which will be selected based on genome-estimated breeding values in early 2022. The Land Institute's (TLI) breeding program has completed Cycle 11 using genomic selection. Goal 1 obj 2: The draft genome was improved substantially in year 1. A skim-seq (sequencing much less than 1x genome coverage) was implemented to provide a cost effective whole genome sequencing. Goal 1 obj 3: The Kernza breeding team is depositing genotypic and phenotypic data from breeding cycles 3 and 4 in the Kansas State database. Added over 133,788 data points collected in 2021. The large number of measured phenotypes plus genetic data provide a substantial resource for developing genomic selection methods. Genomic selection models are currently being trained and evaluated for Kernza breeding programs. Goal 1 obj 4: Populations established in fall 2021. Analysis will begin next year after grain is harvested. Goal 1 obj 5: Populations established in fall 2021. Analysis will begin after obtaining root samples. Goal 2 obj 1: Planted a Genetics x Environment x Management trial (GEM) at 6 collaborating research sites. 4 advanced Kernza lines included for testing featured improved traits of higher yields, larger seed size, increased rhizomatous growth, and high threshability. The trial included 4 replications evaluating Kernza planted in narrow (12-15") vs. wide (24-36") rows, and includes alfalfa and red clover intercrops with 2 of the varieties. Goal 2 obj 2: Planted a fertility trial (FER) at 6 collaborating research sites. Preparation and execution of this trial included common approaches for field selection, previous crop, baseline soil sampling, tillage, fertilization, seeding, and installation of lysimeters. The 12 treatments in the FER experiment, replicated 4 times in each location, will test the effect of N rate, N timing, and P and K addition on Kernza grain and forage yield. Goal 2 obj 3: Worked with 4 farmers to plant replicated Kernza trials, with 2 treatments mimicking the FER treatments and 2 treatments identified by growers as management interests. Took baseline soil samples and generated maps for each trial. Data collection will begin next year. Goal 3 obj 1: Developed protocols and built/installed lysimeters to take empirical measurements throughout the project. A graduate student was hired to analyze water quality data and model Kernza's water quality impacts. A camera system to monitor surface runoff was beta tested for use throughout the grant. Goal 3 obj 2: COVID prevented access to many eddy flux tower sites. Time was spent recalibrating existing models, beginning to calibrate models, and doing background prep work. A graduate student was hired to lay the groundwork for predictive models. Goal 3 obj 3: Collected data on weather stations and soil type/characteristics at all field trial sites. Established protocols for soil measurements and collected baseline soil samples after harvesting the previous crop but before tillage or seed bed preparation for Kernza planting. Analysis is currently in progress. Goal 4 obj 1: Conducted and analyzed interviews and researched content and pedagogy to create the "Kernza in Context" educational framework. Finished a draft design of Module 1, "Meeting & Measuring Kernza," which provides an introduction to Kernza and perennial grains. The team is growing connections with teachers and schools interested in beta-testing modules. Goal 4 obj 2: Held a series of planning meetings to chart out extension activity and identify extension educator participants for year 2. Goal 4 obj 3: Conducted a needs assessment to understand researchers' communication goals and target audiences. Conducted a needs assessment of growers to inform programming and communication. Developed a co-learning platform for resource sharing between growers and researchers. Hosted a series of Kernza field days throughout MN and WI and started updating the Kernza Growers Guide. Goal 4 obj 4: Designed and hosted a Kernza Policymakers Field Day, with over 70 participants representing the MN legislature, state agencies, and nonprofits. Discussed the economic and environmental context of perennial ag and the promise for farmers and markets. A field tour followed. Design is underway for a follow-up educational classroom session. Goal 4 obj 5: Contacted NRCS staff and partners in MN, ND, and WI to explore program points of entry for Kernza, including updating technical notes and practice standards and creating interim practice language. The Kernza Technical Assistance team helped answer questions about Kernza production for NRCS staff. Responded to the USDA request for comment on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. Goal 5 obj 1: Solicited RFPs and executed contracts with 2 companies who will provide education and strategic planning for the development of a steward-owned organization to manage Kernza. Goal 5 obj 2: Scheduled for later years. Goal 5 obj 3: Kernza acreage increased threefold during year 1. The commercialization team managed the Kernza trademark; supported adoption by new growers, processors, and makers; supported enterprise development and business planning for a new Kernza growers cooperative; engaged policymakers to support market development; and worked with the Farm Service Agency to list Intermediate Wheatgrass as a crop. Goal 5 obj 4: Evaluated and researched various methods of business association incorporation and chose steward ownership as a model to pursue. The team met quarterly to develop buy-in around common values. Dialogue started with internal and external stakeholders on ecosystem service valuation models. Goal 6 obj 1: Set up communications infrastructure, including an internal collaborator website and a public-facing website, internal and external newsletters, and a structure for reporting activities and outcomes. Created a data sharing and co-authorship policy to track manuscripts and data. Held weekly project management meetings, bi-weekly coordinating team meetings, bi-annual advisory committee meetings, and an annual all-hands meeting. Goal 6 obj 2: Kernza leadership is developing through the Kernza Stewards Alliance (KSA), farmer leadership such as the Perennial Promise Growers Co-op, and other collaborative leadership entities being launched by close partners. Goal 6 obj 3: Created reporting infrastructure to capture learnings that will inform a model for future perennial crops. Selected evaluative tools to learn from the integrative focus of this project, including a Social Network Analysis. Goal 6 obj 4: Created a data management subgroup which developed a data sharing and co-authorship policy, a system for data logging and entry, and evaluated long-term data storage platforms. Built our website and newsletter lists to share learnings. Goal 6 obj 5: Worked with an evaluation team to create a 5-year evaluation plan that will measure how the project contributes to transformative change, fosters collaboration, and offers value for project partners. Developed shared values and principles. Planned for a Social Network Analysis that will be launched in year 2
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
O. Duchene, B. Dumont, D. Cattani, L. Fagnant, B. Schlautman, L. R. DeHaan, S. Barriball, J. Jungers, V. Picasso, C. David, F. Celette. 2021. Process-based analysis of Thinopyrum intermedium phenological development highlights the importance of dual induction for reproductive growth and agronomic performance. Agricultural & Forest Meteorology. Vol 301302, 108341. DOI:10.1016/j.agrformet.2021.108341
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Olugbenle, O., Pinto, P., and Picasso, V. 2021. Optimal Planting Date of Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass Intercropped with Red Clover. Agronomy 2021, 11, 2227. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112227
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Dai, Y., Bharathi, R., Jungers, J., Annor, G. A., & Tyl, C. 2021. Effect of Bran Pre-Treatment with Endoxylanase on the Characteristics of Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) Bread. Foods, 10, 1464. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10071464
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2021
Citation:
Pinto, P., De Haan, L., and Picasso, V. 2021. Post-Harvest Management Practices Impact on Light Penetration and Kernza Intermediate Wheatgrass Yield Components. Agronomy 2021, 11, 442. DOI:10.3390/agronomy11030442
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