perennial blend™ flour
SANDHILL CRANE - Perennial Blend™ Flour
Why This Mascot: Sandhill Cranes migrate through Henderson, NE (where our Kernza is grown and cleaned) on their epic journey to the Pacific Northwest - just like our Perennial Blend brings together grains from different regions into one incredible flour.
Fun Facts:
- Can live up to 36 years and mate for life
- Their calls can be heard from over 2 miles away
- They’ve been around for at least 2.5–10 million years (fossil evidence suggests some species in the crane family date back 10+ million years)
- Largest migration of cranes in the world happens along the Platte River in Nebraska — up to 600,000 gather each spring
- They perform elaborate “dancing” displays for bonding and courtship
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.