Is anyone familiar with this book, "Small Scale Grain Raising," by Gene Logsdon?  I ran across this post on it:  http://www.ethicurean.com/2009/02/04/small-scale-grain-raising/

Sounds really interesting..I'm thinking about ordering the book.

I have 3 or 4 of Gene Logsdon's books and I love them all!  I don't have the one you mentioned, but if his other work is an indicator.................

Dont' know about the book you are talking about, but we are in the process of trying this concept. A local rancher gave us some wheat, according to my Dad we should plant it as a cover crop in one of our beds,thus giving us more wheat and ground cover we need.

 Hi:  A couple of young farmers here on Vancouver Island have started a project this year in which people can rent a small area on their farm for grain growing.  The renter will plant, weed and harvest the chosen grain and the farmers will do the irrigating.  It is somewhat like community supported agriculture but much less work for the farmers.  They have had a great deal of interest and all the spaces are spoken for.  

Hey i don't know about the book (will have to look into it) but i have grown grain a couple years now and i love it. Its rather facinating to see all the different types side by side and knowing where your bread etc is comming from and what goes into it. I grow a couple kinds of wheat barley and oats  and i tried kamut but it didn't do as well for me. I am even planning on getting a plot in the local community garden this year so i have enough room to grow enough to use hopefully. If anyone else is in canada and wants to try growing grain definetly look into salt spring seeds. they are fantastic. unfortunately they can't send seeds to the US though. But they have a large selection of varieties. good luck to anyone else if they decide to take on this project.

 Just did a search for it on Powells.com and Amazon.  It's at collector prices at Amazon ($80.00 used).  Powells is taking preorders for the 2nd edition due to hit the shelves in May at $30.00.

Looks interesting.  I've often thought about trying rice, but can never find much on growning it.  I'm sure it's not that hard, but ya never know.

In a small area, 3 feet by 40 feet , I have grown Teff, Panic grass (Indian millet), amaranth, and now  soon milk thistle seeds and chia.  I harvested 5 lbs of red amaranth seed last Summer.  

 It is too bad we can't grow hemp in this country for it seed richness.  It is grown in Canada extensively.  I think it is important to grow vegitable protein along with our vegitables for a balance.  I tried to get a source for fonio seed from Africa but no success.  Seeker2be

Hmmm, seems to be an interesting topic and should be have it's own group don't you think?

Hey I'd be up for a grain growing group. I think it would be great sharing with other ppls that are trying to do the same thing I am.

I grew Oaxacan green dent corn a few years ago. It did really well...until we had a freakishly wet autumn and it got all moldy while it was "drying." I was so heartbroken that I've never tried to grow it again. I was so excited about making green grits. I grew amaranth in the garden a few years ago -- but I just ate the baby leaves, I didn't harvest the seed. Those of you who harvest the seed, would you consider sharing your recipes?

You can order it from bakers creek  or seed savers exchange but you can also get at least a variety or two from some  local farmers co-ops or feed stores.  The last time I asked ours still stocked hickory cane - which is supposed to be great for tasty meal, and I know it's good for roasting ears if you pick it young - not sweet, but still good. 

Hello again.  I'm still on the amaranth quest.  I am finding amaranth seed, but not the type to be grown for grain.  I think what I'm looking for is a light color like yellow and not red.  The type best used for cereal and flour.

Does anyone know where I can purchase it?

Also, I did find out that chickens like sorghum (which is a grain) and it is supposed to be easy to grow.  In case anyone is interested in growing chicken feed.  Millet also.

I just ordered amaranth seeds from Baker Creek.  They have a wide variety.  I went with those that said they were big producers.  We'll see how it goes.  I'm looking forward to making amaranth tortillas for veggie sandwich wraps.

Just be careful if you're growing rye. They can get a funny fungus on them that causes hallucinations and death.

http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/wong/BOT135/LECT12.HTM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergot

hello all,

Keep us posted about the amaranth---I would love to be able to grow it. It is normally expensive in the stores. And yes, thanks for the link.

Do you have any more tips for grain growing in a small space??

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