A new appreciation has developed for rye, a winter-hardy grain that develops a deep root system. Growing rye is seen as beneficial to soil health, is a strong competitor to weeds, and helps reduce erosion from water and wind. It can be a companion crop to soybeans, edible beans and sugarbeets to cut down on wind damage as plants emerge. In areas with livestock, producers can graze it or harvest it for forage.
Ross Kennedy, an agribusiness and national security expert is skeptical about the proposed biofermentation plant, while area farmers Paul Sproule, Matthew Krueger and Jared Hagert, are among those in support of it.