A small number of U.S. farmers are turning to perennial grains as a way to deal with extreme weather conditions. One such grain is Kernza, a type of perennial grain that resembles native grasses found in parts of Europe and western Asia. Farmers like Bryce Black, a fourth-generation farmer in Kansas, have struggled with extreme droughts, which have reduced crop yields on his 4,500-acre (1,821 hectare) farm. Black is interested in perennial grains because they could reduce labor and costs if planted once every few years instead of annually. David Mueller, a farmer in Halstead, Kansas, planted a 12-acre (5 hectare) field of Kernza five years ago. He used the crop to improve soil drainage and restore organic matter on his family's land. Kernza is one of several perennial grains being developed by The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas. Last year, Kernza was cultivated on 3,511 acres (1,421 hectares) in the U.S., compared to 37.2 million acres (15.1 million hectares) of winter, spring, and Durum wheat harvested or planted in 2025-26. Perennial grains have deeper root systems that can access water from deeper in the ground, helping them withstand droughts and absorb excess water during heavy rains, which reduces soil erosion. These roots also help sequester more carbon, lowering atmospheric pollution. Laura van der Pol, a lead soil ecologist at The Land Institute, emphasized that integrating perennials into farming is crucial for preserving soil for future generations. Despite these benefits, perennial grains face challenges, including lower yields compared to annual crops. Kernza farmers typically get yields of about 20 to 40% of what they might get from wheat. Researchers at Cornell University have found that establishing Kernza fields can be difficult due to weed competition in the first year, and finding the right seeding rate to maximize yield is still being studied. Harvesting Kernza is also challenging because the grain is smaller than wheat, and farmers and researchers are still figuring out how to adapt equipment to avoid damaging the kernels during harvest. Markets for perennial grains are still developing, with challenges including consumer interest, federal support, and research infrastructure. Aaron Gaeddert, who sells Kernza products in Newton, Kansas, said that raising awareness is difficult but he is hopeful for growing interest as new products are developed. Farmers receive federal payments for traditional crops, but there is little federal funding for perennial grains. Brandon Schlautman, a perennial crop scientist and farmer, noted that while many farmers want to grow Kernza, he often turns them away due to the underdeveloped market. Mueller, however, has a contract with Sustain-a-Grain, which sells him Kernza seed and buys back his crop at a fixed price, offering some financial security. Despite the small market, farmers who grow Kernza can sometimes be paid a premium, up to 5 to 10 times the price of a pound of wheat.