kernza® bran muffin mix with chocolate chips
WOODCHUCK - Kernza Bran Muffin Mix
Why This Mascot: A friendly woodchuck lives near the Sustain-A-Grain cleaning facility in Henderson, NE, where our Kernza gets cleaned. This little neighbor represents the wildlife that thrives around regenerative grain operations.
Fun Facts:
- Also called groundhogs, they can climb trees and swim - surprisingly agile for their size
- Their burrows aerate soil naturally - just like Kernza roots!
- They hibernate for up to 5 months and wake up 30% lighter
- Their burrows can be up to 66 feet long with multiple chambers
They have a special “alarm whistle” to warn others of predators
Biodiversity & Ecosystems
Native plants: Common Milkweed, Prairie Rose
Insects: Leaf beetles, predaceous spiders
Birds (Merlin): Eastern Kingbird, Dickcissel, Red-winged Blackbird
Observations: The integration of Kernza and alfalfa offers an excellent foundation for both soil conservation and biodiversity. Alfalfa functions as a perennial nitrogen fixer while Kernza supports root stability, erosion resistance, and seasonal cover for wildlife.
Soil Health & Emissions
Perennial grains are champions at pulling carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil. This agricultural approach has a significant, measurable impact:
- Negative Carbon Footprint: Our Kernza® and Salish wheats have negative carbon intensities, meaning they remove more greenhouse gases than they produce.
- Impressive Sequestration: Just one acre of Kernza® in our blend sequesters carbon equivalent to taking 2 cars off the road each year and offsets the energy use of more than 1.5 homes.
- Quantifiable Soil Gains: We expect a minimum of 616 kg of carbon per acre to be added back into the soil, enriching it for future growth.
Nutrient Density & Wellness
Healthier soil means healthier plants, which leads to more nutritious food. Perennial grains grown in regenerative systems are naturally more nutrient-dense.
- What this means for your flour: The grains are able to absorb a wider array of vitamins and minerals from the thriving soil ecosystem. This often results in higher levels of protein, antioxidants, and essential micronutrients compared to conventional grains.
Instead of a flat, one-note taste, your flour develops aricher, nuttier, and more complex flavor profile. The improved soil health doesn't just grow a plant; it builds character and depth into the grain itself.