As an Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources myself and other agents across the state were contacted by American Farmland Trust to participate in a cereal rye project being conduct by American Farmland Trust and University of Kentucky Extension Service for research. Myself along with other agents across the state was selected to participate. 

This project allowed producers to participate and gain knowledge within the rye industry with minimal risk. Green County’s producer Larry Clark planted 30 acers of cereal rye for this project in hopes of having a future in another commodity for his fam operation. Producer Larry Clark stated, “This is a great opportunity for farmers such as myself, learn about this industry. I hope this allows us make connections and gain the knowledge we need to be successful in this industry.” 

Using the recommendations from University of Kentucky Extension Specialist the crop was plated in the fall of 2020.  The cereal rye crop grew extremely well throughout the 2020/21 growing season and produced an outstanding crop. Harvest has just taken place and the data is still being gathered and entered. Once all the data has been gathered from across the state it will be used for recommendations to all Kentucky farmers who are looking to possibly add cereal rye to their crop rotation.