The 217 Today Podcast

217 Today: A new grain has potential to feed more people in a warming climate

Brian Moline and Farrah Anderson
 
Lee DeHaan, the director of crop improvement and lead scientist in the Kernza domestication program at the Land Institute, looks at a stem in this file photo. The Salina, Kansas-based institute has been working to develop the grain for more than two decades.

Lee DeHaan, the director of crop improvement and lead scientist in the Kernza domestication program at the Land Institute, looks at a stem in this file photo. The Salina, Kansas-based institute has been working to develop the grain for more than two decades. The Land Institute

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Monday, May 16, 2022

Today's headlines:

  • In the race for Illinois Governor, Darren Bailey is trying to put some distance between himself and the rest of the Republican primary field.

  • Some parents are turning to donated breast milk as a substitute amid a major baby formula shortage.

  • Black farmers in the U.S. lost more than $300 billion worth of land in the 20th century, according to a new study.

  • Champaign County public health officials report just over 800 active COVID-19 cases in the county.

In today's deep dive, we’ll take a closer look at the grain, kernza, and why some people think it could be a solution to feed more people in a warming climate.

217 Today is produced by Farrah Anderson. Reporting today contributed by Alex Degman, Tim Shelley, Dana Cronin and Rachel Yang.