Agriculture
Agriculture
Posted on May 23, 2023
Millets — ancient drought-resistant grains — could help the Midwest survive climate change
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The United Nations has declared 2023 the International Year of Millets — a type of small grain mostly grown in parts of Asia and Africa. The highly resilient and cost-friendly grains could make them the next crop for U.S. farmers in the midst of climate change.
The Midwest is known for its rows and rows of corn and soybeans that uniformly cover the landscape.
But in central Missouri, farmer Linus Rothermich disrupts the usual corn and soybean rotation with Japanese millet. He has been growing it since 1993.
“Golly, I have to think how far back that is,” he said. “I was a young man and I was looking for alternative crops to grow to make more money. We just weren't making a lot of money in agriculture then.”
The Midwest is known for its rows and rows of corn and soybeans that uniformly cover the landscape.
But in central Missouri, farmer Linus Rothermich disrupts the usual corn and soybean rotation with Japanese millet. He has been growing it since 1993.
“Golly, I have to think how far back that is,” he said. “I was a young man and I was looking for alternative crops to grow to make more money. We just weren't making a lot of money in agriculture then.”
Millets — ancient drought-resistant grains — could help the Midwest survive climate change
Posted from kcur.org
Climate Change
Farming
Agriculture
Posted 12 mo ago
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I've never used it. Recipes anyone. You to Charlie Brown as you are not blocked on my end.
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We eat millet. I love it. It's our substitute for wheat (I can't have gluten) and it uses MUCH less water than rice.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
Lt Col Charlie Brown I Don't Know if I've ever eaten Milet but I Love Seeded Jewish Rye Bread so I'm Pretty Game!
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."But in central Missouri, farmer Linus Rothermich disrupts the usual corn and soybean rotation with Japanese millet. He has been growing it since 1993.
“Golly, I have to think how far back that is,” he said. “I was a young man and I was looking for alternative crops to grow to make more money. We just weren't making a lot of money in agriculture then.”
Compared to his corn and soybean crops, he spends a lot less on Japanese millet. Because its growing season is shorter, it fits perfectly into the rotation of the crops he already grows. It’s working so well for him that he wants to keep the grain to himself.
“I have recommended it to other farmers, as long as it’s not my Japanese millet,” he joked, pointing out prices likely would drop if a lot of other farmers start growing it."...
..."But in central Missouri, farmer Linus Rothermich disrupts the usual corn and soybean rotation with Japanese millet. He has been growing it since 1993.
“Golly, I have to think how far back that is,” he said. “I was a young man and I was looking for alternative crops to grow to make more money. We just weren't making a lot of money in agriculture then.”
Compared to his corn and soybean crops, he spends a lot less on Japanese millet. Because its growing season is shorter, it fits perfectly into the rotation of the crops he already grows. It’s working so well for him that he wants to keep the grain to himself.
“I have recommended it to other farmers, as long as it’s not my Japanese millet,” he joked, pointing out prices likely would drop if a lot of other farmers start growing it."...
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