Overview
This project aims to revitalize local agriculture in New Jersey’s Highlands region by promoting value-added grain production using regenerative farming techniques. Powered by a grant from the New Jersey Highlands Council Sustainable Agriculture Program, we envision strengthening the local food economy through growing earth-friendly, high-value small grains and specialty crops.
Join the Initiative
We’re seeking interested farmers and entrepreneurs to drive this project forward. We’re not just growing crops, we’re growing knowledge about production practices, necessary equipment and value-added processing and marketing.
Grow Grains With Us
Grains Farmer Connect
Interested in working with us on this initiative? Please fill out and submit the form below to participate in our goal to fortify the local grain economy through sustainable farming methods. Through this initiative, we're helping farmers learn about grain crops, ideal production practices, and necessary equipment.
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FAQs
Some useful terminology
Cereals are grass species that are cultivated for their edible grains. Small grains refer to a category of cereal crops that are typically smaller in seed size compared to other cereals. In New Jersey, small grains that are commonly grown include wheat, rye, oats, and barley. In addition to corn, other cereal grains that can be grown in our region include sorghum and several species of millet. Ancient wheats include einkorn, emmer, spelt, and kamut®. Pseudocereals, so-called because they are not grasses but are cultivated and processed like cereals, include buckwheat and amaranth, which grow well in our region, and quinoa, which is not adapted to our conditions. Heirloom varieties of wheat are those that were developed before the Green Revolution push in the mid-20th century that produced ‘modern’ wheat (short-stature varieties with larger heads). Famous heirloom wheats that are still grown today include Red Fife and Turkey Red. Heirloom varieties of corn, e.g., Bloody Butcher, Wapsie Valley, and Hickory Cane, are open pollinated as compared to modern hybrid varieties.
How will the Grains Prpject help me get started with small grain farming?
The Grains Project is dedicated to supporting aspiring grain farmers. Our team of agronomists, experienced farmers, and field volunteers are here to guide you through the process of starting your grain farm. The first step is to contact the project manager to schedule an assessment meeting and field visit. You’ll need to provide a recent soil test for the land you plan to use for grain farming. The agronomist will then visit your farm, offer expert advice, and outline the next steps. All services are free of charge. For more information, you can email Meg at Meg@foodshedalliance.org
What is the minimum acreage required to start grain farming?
While there is no minimum acreage requirement for growing grains, small fields can present challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing the necessary farm equipment, especially a combine for harvesting and threshing. If you plan to grow grains for sale, we recommend aiming for at least 1 acre of land to ensure you can more easily access the equipment and resources needed for efficient production.
Where can I process and sell my grains?
The Grains Project partners with River Valley Community Grains (RVCG), which provides milling services and also offers opportunities for long-term sales agreements. RVCG is a part of the food hub Marksboro Mills. They also have grain cleaning and other processing equipment available for use.
Where can I have my soil tested?
We recommend having your soil tested at an accredited laboratory. One such option is Rutgers Cooperative Extension Warren County, which operates a soil collection center at:
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Warren County
3 Shotwell Drive, Belvidere, NJ 07823
Soil testing is an essential first step to understanding your land’s nutrient profile and ensuring the success of your grain crops.
To learn more and join this project, contact grains@foodshedalliance.org
Our Focus
Small grains and specialty crops for profit and sustainability
Our focus is on the small grains, which include wheat, barley, oats, and rye as well as the ancient wheats einkorn, spelt, and emmer. Because of the local food movement, there is a strong and still largely unmet demand for these grains to be grown in our region. When grown regeneratively (see below) for the local foods market, these grains can fetch premium prices, e.g., a bushel of locally grown wheat can sell to local mills for four or more times the price it would fetch on the commodity market. Other specialty crops with high market potential include buckwheat, grain amaranth, and flax.
In addition to profitability, we are focusing on the small grains because, in comparison to corn, they are environmentally friendly. Specifically, small grains
- require reduced inputs of fertilizers and can be grown without using pesticides or
herbicides - quickly form a dense crop canopy that protects against soil erosion
- produce large amounts of straw that replenishes soil organic matter
- can disrupt pest life cycles, making them excellent crops to grow in rotation with
corn, soybean, and vegetable crops.
What is Regenerative Farming?
Although its definition varies, there is broad agreement that regenerative farming focuses on improving soil health by protecting and improving soil structure and fostering a soil environment that includes a diversity of macro (e.g., earthworms and insects) and micro fauna (e.g., bacteria and fungi). Healthy soil has been shown to improve crop performance by facilitating nutrient cycling and protecting against disease and pest outbreaks. Improved soil health is achieved through such practices as eliminating chemical fertilizers and pesticides, optimizing soil organic matter, minimizing soil disturbance, employing diverse crop rotations, planting cover crops, and practicing multi-cropping. Broader definitions of regenerative farming include all aspects of farming systems, emphasizing, in addition to soil health, animal welfare, fair treatment of farmworkers, and a level of profitability that allows farmers to thrive.
Benefits of Regeneratively Growing Small Grains and Specialty Crops
Improved soil health and diversified cropping systems help protect food production against pest and disease outbreaks and severe weather conditions, e.g., drought, excessive temperatures, and flooding.
Food grown regeneratively has been shown to have reduced levels of pesticide contamination compared to that produced under standard farming methods. Small
grains, especially when consumed as whole grains, and such specialty crops as amaranth and buckwheat are good sources of protein, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Increasing numbers of consumers are searching for food that has been grown regeneratively. This includes not only certified organic products, but food that has been produced “naturally,” e.g., in accordance with regenerative principles.
To learn more and join this project, contact grains@foodshedalliance.org
Watch
Reviving Ancient Small Grain Production in the NJ Highlands
The Foodshed Alliance advocates for sustainable, regenerative agricultural practices that promote human and ecosystem health while achieving a sustainable livelihood for farmers. Value-added grain production provides NJHighlands regional growers with an opportunity to significantly increase farm profitability and enhance agroecosystem function. “Exotic” grains, such as the ancient wheats – einkorn, emmer, and spelt – are in increasing demand by consumers, and currently fetch high retail prices.
Growing Your First Crop of Heritage Grains
Introduction to Small Grain Production
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