Many travelers have road tripped across the heartland of U.S. Many of these trips occur during the summer growing season, allowing the layperson to see tremendous agricultural productivity of the U.S. grain belt and the U.S. farmer. Though less varied than other landscapes, the acre upon acre, and mile upon mile expanses of corn, wheat and soybean stand as a testament to the U.S.'s greatest natural resource. The current system of monoculture production may be challenged due to the projected climate change, the constant threat of diseases and abiotic stresses, and changes in consumers' taste. If changes need to be made, what crops could we see growing in western Kansas? Will Ohio, Indiana and Illinois remain corn and soybean?

A recent research conference I attended could have shed some light on potential alternative crops we might see in the future. This conference was the Tri-Society (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science of America and Soil Science Society of America) meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. The theme of this meeting was "Resilience Emerging from Scarcity and Abundance," with a focus on cropping systems of the Southwest. It was filled with symposium on topics and crops systems I normally would not encounter in Ohio. One very interesting session was titled "Novel and Ancient Crops: Small in Acreage, Large in Value". 

During this session, several researchers gave descriptions of ancient grains including millet and historical varieties of wheat. Other researchers spoke about the challenges of marketing and starting breeding programs for crops such as Quinoa and Mauka (Mirabilis Expansa). The meeting ended with a description of the molecular breeding tools being developed for the Indian Potato (Apios Americana). A common theme from all the research talks was that many of these crops fit a niche in American agriculture. Often times they are better adapted to marginal environments, are hardier and are healthier for nutritional or hypoallergenic reasons. 

The main take away I had was that here are many good alternatives to corn, wheat and soybean. Though we are able to get huge yields from these crops, we may be able to do even better if we invest time and energy into developing some of these ancient crops. In many cases they would be better suited for the drier climates of Nebraska and Kansas (e.g. Millet). They might be able to withstand the heat and change in precipitation in Texas, Missouri and Arkansas (e.g. Sorghum). They may fit a consumer niche and be more nutritious that what we currently grow (e.g. Quinoa and Indian Potato). 

Though potentially an improvement, these ancient grains will face many challenges before we will see them in the Midwest. Currently, the infrastructure is set up for corn, bean and wheat. There is less of a market for these crops due to fewer consumers and less by-products produced from them. These crops are years behind in research, development and breeding which could initially limit their productivity. 

Despite these limitations, I look forward to watching how these ancient crops develop. If, when and to what degree will they be adopted? What will the driving force be, to alter our current production system? No matter the answer, the evolution and improvements in the U.S. agriculture will be interesting. 

Written by TPS Fellow, Bill Rolling