Pioneering Water-Efficient Crops with Craig Anderson

In this enlightening episode of Regenerative by Design, host Joni Kindwall-Moore engages in a compelling conversation with Craig Anderson, the CEO of Dryland Genetics. Craig shares his extensive background in agriculture, detailing his journey from working with corn and soybeans to pioneering the field of millet breeding. He explains how his work at Dryland Genetics, a company at the forefront of developing water-efficient crops, is transforming our understanding of agricultural sustainability.

Craig dives into the significance of Proso millet, a crop that stands out for its exceptional water efficiency and low fertility requirements. He highlights its nutritional benefits, including being gluten-free and low glycemic, making it a valuable addition to modern diets. Through fascinating anecdotes, Craig reveals the resilience of Proso millet, recounting how a seemingly abandoned experiment led to the discovery of its extraordinary drought tolerance.

As the discussion unfolds, Craig sheds light on the broader implications of millet in crop rotation and its potential to combat desertification. He shares insights into ongoing efforts to develop millet for sustainable aviation fuel, emphasizing the crop's reduced carbon intensity. Craig also touches on the exciting prospects of expanding millet's use in both human food and animal feed, underscoring its versatility and ecological benefits.

Towards the end of the episode, Craig explains the differences between traditional plant breeding, gene editing, and GMOs. He articulates Dryland Genetics' approach to leveraging science to accelerate traditional breeding methods without resorting to genetic modification. This nuanced discussion provides listeners with a clear understanding of the ethical and practical considerations in modern plant breeding.

Join Joni and Craig in this episode to explore the cutting-edge work being done to integrate ancient grains like millet into contemporary agriculture. Discover how Dryland Genetics is setting new standards for sustainability and resilience, ensuring a secure and nutritious food supply for the future. Tune in to learn about the transformative potential of Proso millet and its role in building a more sustainable global food system.

Dryland Genetics Website: drylandgenetics.com
Dryland Genetics Twitter: twitter.com/DrylandGenetics

Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist. Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused, all while radically impacting human nutrition by transforming staple foods into something more than just empty calories. Visit snacktivistfoods.com to learn more.

Funding for Regenerative By Design Podcast was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.