THUNDER BAY -- A new crop is about to hit the fields of local farmers and it grows all winter.
Winter Rye is a dual crop that provides grains but also straw, which is beneficial for livestock farmers.
The crop was first tested last year at the Thunder Bay Agricultural Research Station by Dr. Tarlok Singh Sahota who had it tested at Canada Malting here in Thunder Bay.
Dr. Sahota said that this variant of rye is extremely hearty and can survive the long and brutal winters of the region.
Andrew Brekveld is one of four farmers in the area taking on the task of growing Winter Rye and said that it’s all part of increasing the vitality of the soil.
“What we hope to do with this is grow wheat for a year, grow rye for a year and continue a rotation and then grow our alfalfa stand for a few years,” Brekveld said.
“That way not only do we decrease disease we also improve soil health.”
Brekveld added that when there’s nutrients that are in the soil that cannot be used for an alfalfa crop they can be used for a rye crop.
Nutritionally, Winter Rye is just like any whole grain and is found in many products we eat locally, such as bread and beer.
(TBT News)
