Research continues in effort to diversify Midwest crops

While none of three recent next-big-thing crops have had runaway success, research continues with hopes their contributions to profitability, soil health, diversity and sustainability will benefit Midwest growers and consumers.

For crops like camelina, hemp and Kernza, slow progress is being made with the collaboration of researchers, support associations and farmers.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” says Silvia Secchi, a natural resource economist at the University of Iowa.

There has been talk of camelina’s potential for oil and feed use over the years. An annual in the brassicaceae or mustard family originating in Europe and grown successfully in some parts of the U.S. and Canada, its potential in the Midwest, particularly Minnesota, is being studied. Its benefits include drought tolerance, resistance to pests, a short growing season and its suitability in a crop rotation, Secchi says.

But yields are low and there is a need for more management knowledge.