Dryland Forage Investigation for the Improvement of Sustainable Agriculture and Resilient Farmers

Commodities

• Agronomic: grass (misc. perennial)

Practices

• Animal Production: feed/forage
• Crop Production: drought tolerance
• Education and Training: demonstration, extension, farmer to farmer, on-farm/ranch research
• Natural Resources/Environment: carbon sequestration
• Production Systems: dryland farming
• Soil Management: organic matter, soil analysis

Climate change and water scarcity have significantly impacted Southern Oregon hay growers both economically and environmentally. This research explores the suitability of Kernza® perennial intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) for singular use as cattle forage, assessing its potential economic viability in water-scarce conditions. We will demonstrate its establishment, benefits, and challenges. If successful, the Kernza strain could offer improved water utilization, economic returns, and environmental benefits, such as increased carbon sequestration and reduced erosion, compared to annual farming practices. The research findings will be shared with agriculture professionals and the public locally and nationally via on-farm tours, media send outs, and partner channels.

Having already established two Kernza IWG fields—one irrigated and one not—researchers will track inputs, yields, and nutritional profiles over three years to answer the question: “Can the cultivation of the Kernza strain of intermediate wheatgrass for cattle forage be economically viable under water scarce conditions in Southern Oregon?”  researchers will track all inputs, yields, and the nutritional profile of harvests over the course of three years to meet the research objectives which include: 

• Objective 1: Determine the costs of cultivating Kernza IWG for cattle forage over five years
• Objective 2: Measure the yields of Kernza IWG over five harvest years
• Objective 3: Evaluate nutritional value of Kernza IWG forage over five years

• From establishment to ongoing cultivation, determine the
  costs associated with cultivating this strain of dryland
  perennial wheatgrass for cattle forage and identify opportunities
  to lower costs.
• Determine the yields of this strain of dryland perennial
  wheatgrass and estimated market value. 
• Evaluate the nutritional value of the yields for suitability
  as cattle forage. 
• Evaluate the crop's ability to handle water scarcity.
• Actively share the ongoing work and findings with Oregon
  farmers, local students, and the research community to promote
  sustainable agriculture and invite feedback.