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Article on the 2024 teff harvest in the US
by Don Osborn 09 Nov '24

09 Nov '24

As teff is our millet-of-the-month in November, hereis an article on this year's harvest. It's a month and a half old, but I don't see any more recent takes.... "Idaho teff crop looks good as harvest continues," by Brad Carlson, Capital Press, 23 Sep. 2024 https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/grains/idaho-teff-crop-looks-good-a… Much of the article discusses the experiences of growers in Idaho and other states contracting with Boise-based The Teff Company (Maskal Teff https://teffco.com/ ), which has been generally positive. In 2024, the Teff Co. increase the contracted acreage of teff by 50% to over 2000 acres, per its farmer relations manager, Charlie Fereday. Another major company working with growers in Nevada and elsewhere, is Minneapolis-based Selam Foods Inc. ( https://selamfoods.com/ ). According to the article, Selam's owner, Tesfa Drar, decided not to contract with teff growers this year, since they still have the grain in stock from an excellent harvest in 2023. Grain teff is clearly a crop that does well several parts of North America. The market for it - beyond communities of Ethiopian and Eritrean heritage that know it well - is still young, but one with interesting potential as this tiny grain becomes more familiar to consumers and food processing companies. The Teff Co. / Maskal website has a nice intro to teff geared to people not familiar with the grain: https://teffco.com/what-is-teff/ (along with other pages under "Learn" in the top menu bar). Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance

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CSA News article on finger millet, & a conf. presentation
by Don Osborn 09 Nov '24

09 Nov '24

Finger millet is virtually unknown in US agriculture, but two researchers at Mississippi State University - Mohan K Bista and Raju Bheemanahalli Rangappa - consider it to be "a potential game-changer for an uncertain future." Their article in CSA News (Oct. 2024, pp. 52-56, https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/csan.21404 ) discusses the agronomy of finger millet, the nutritional qualities of the grain (including a high calcium content), and its potential as a new crop in the US. The article does not get into culinary qualities or uses. Mr. Bista, the lead author and a PhD student in Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State will be presenting on finger millet's morpho-physiological resilience to drought stress at the 2024 ASA CSSA SSSA International Meeting in in San Antonio, TX (which starts tomorrow!), in the C02 Crop Physiology and Metabolism Division on Nov 12 from 2:50 p.m. to 3:05 p.m. The conference website is https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2024am/meetingapp.cgi/Home/0 (there appears to be a virtual component to this conference, but it's not clear to me if this presentation would be accessible in that mode). Thanks to Gary Wietgrefe for the pointer to this article. The info on the presentation was seen on LinkedIn. Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance

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Introduction and Collaboration Opportunities in Millet Processing
by suresh sakhare 08 Nov '24

08 Nov '24

Dear North American Millets Alliance Members, I hope this message finds you well. I am currently a research scientist at Iowa State University (ISU), specializing in millet processing and innovation. My career began in India, where I dedicated over 15 years to advancing millet processing, developing millet-based products, and pioneering technologies to enhance the industry. Over the years, I have developed 25 millet-based technologies, transferred to more than 70 industries, and have led 15 millet-focused industry consultancy and GAP projects as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator. A key achievement was designing and establishing the first-ever millet roller processing unit with a capacity of 15 tons per day. This unit includes facilities for pre- and main cleaning, grain silos, dehulling, flour and semolina milling, fortification, and packaging—supporting the milling of both major and minor millets with integrated fortification capabilities. With my presence now in the United States, I am eager to explore collaborative opportunities with academia and industry partners who share an interest in millet processing, innovation, and sustainable product development. I would be delighted to discuss potential projects and synergies with North American millet stakeholders. Thank you very much for considering this opportunity for collaboration, and I look forward to connecting with you. Warm regards, Suresh D. Sakhare Research Scientist – Iowa State University Senior Principal Scientist – International School of Milling Technology, India Phone: +1 515-425-8965email: ssakhare(a)iastate.edu

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GSA Global Millets Expo, Purdue University, 8-9 Nov. 2024
by Don Osborn 05 Nov '24

05 Nov '24

Just came across a webpage for this event - GSA Global Millets Expo, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, on 8=9 November. (in 2 months' time): https://ag.purdue.edu/events/department/foodsci/2024/11/gsa-global-millets-… GSA probably stands for Graduate Students Association. The event page is under the Department of Food Science (of the College of Agriculture at Purdue). A forward link to registration is apparently forthcoming. The description on the webpage:(copied below) does not include any details about the program "Welcome to the Global Millets Expo at Purdue University, a premier event uniting government bodies, universities and key stakeholders from around the world to elevate the global presence and availability of millet, a group of ancient grains with deep roots in African and Asian agriculture. These small-seeded grasses are not only highly nutritious but also incredibly resilient, thriving in harsh climates with minimal water compared to traditional staples like wheat and rice. As the world faces growing challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, and malnutrition, millets offer a promising solution. This expo aims to harness the rising global interest in these climate-resilient and gluten-free grains, particularly in regions like the United States, where millet has been underutilized. Join us in exploring the immense potential of millet to revolutionize agriculture and contribute to a more sustainable and secure food future." Does anyone know more about this? Or have contacts at Purdue - Food Science who might be able to provide more info? Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance

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Various recent items on millets
by Don Osborn 04 Nov '24

04 Nov '24

Here's a sampling of recent items on various millets, including popular online press, open-access academic articles, and a short video. All are from 2024 and several recent, but for one from last year that I had missed: MILLETS IN GENERAL "Different Types of Millets and Their Nutritional Benefits," *Naario*, 4 June 2024 https://www.naario.com/blogs/news/different-types-of-millets-and-their-nutr… (a nice overview with short takes on several millets plus facts and claims about millets in general; but buckwheat, however healthy it may be, is not a millet) "10 different types of millet and how to use them," by Hugo McCafferty, *Fine Dining Lovers*, 10 March 2023 https://www.finedininglovers.com/article/types-millet-how-use (another nice overview with short takes and images, in this case of 8 millets plus two of the pseudo-grains, amaranth and buckwheat) PROSO MILLET GENOMICS Wang, H., Wang, J., Chen, C. *et al.* "A complete reference genome of broomcorn millet." *Scientific Data* *11*, 657 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-03489-5 (this article "reports the telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gap-free reference genome for broomcorn millet" which is seen as useful for genetic studies and plant breeding) PEARL MILLET (short video) "Pearl millet — making a great grain even better," video by Maxwell Suuk and Wolf Gebhardt, Deutsche Welle, 17 Sep. 2024 (6:02; discusses pearl millet's role in a northern Ghanaian village, with mention of new varieties) FOXTAIL MILLET (probably) & CONTINUOUS CROPPING Zhang, P., Xia, L., Sun, Y. et al. "Soil nutrients and enzyme activities based on millet continuous cropping obstacles." *Scientific Reports* 14, 17329 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68278-x (Analyzes the effect of continuous cropping of millet - probably foxtail - on soil quality. I had to dig in the references and Google the “Jingu 29” variety to determine which millet was the focus of the study - the editors of this journal should not have let this pass without edits to clarify up front.) MILLET MILK Pandey, Surabhi, and Anurag Singh, "Millet Milk: A Potential Cattle Milk Alternative—Extraction and Value Addition," *Journal of Food Quality*, 2024, 3964937, 13 pages. First published: 22 July 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/3964937 ("This review discusses in detail the nutritional profile of millets along with the pretreatments to reduce the antinutritional factors in millets, followed by the extraction of millet milk. The comparative study of millet milk versus other plant-based milks has also been explored.") MILLETS' SHELF-LIFE Latha Ravi, Janani and Sandeep Singh Rana, "Maximizing the Nutritional Benefits and Prolonging the Shelf Life of Millets through Effective Processing Techniques: A Review," ACS Omega, 9(37), 30 Aug. 2024 https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c03466 (review of diverse processes, treatments, and technologies for processing millets for maintaining quality over the time between harvest and consumer use. One of the issues addressed is rancidity.) If you come across interesting items about millets, please feel free to share on Collab. Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance

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Kodo millet & mycotoxin risk (news item re an elephant herd)
by Don Osborn 04 Nov '24

04 Nov '24

A current news item concerns the death of wild elephants in Madhya Pradesh, India due evidently to mycotoxin-contaminated kodo millet. Here is an article that does a good job of examining this issue: "How consumption of kodo millet led to the death of 10 elephants in MP," by Anand Mohan J, *The Indian Express*, 4 Nov. 2024 https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/kodo-millet-death-elephants-965… Kodo (*Paspalum scrobiculatum*) has been associated with cases of a parasitic fungal endophyte that leads to production of the mycotoxin, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). This is favored by rain or moisture during the process of harvest and post-harvest handling. Kodo is consumed safely by many people (I've had some packaged from India), and thankfully cases of CPA poisoning appear to be rare. The article discusses ways to detect or control fungal development and mycotoxin secretion. I have not seen any discussion of the condition of the kodo that the elephants consumed. Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US - +1 202-621-3911) North American Millets Alliance

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Re: [Collab] Collab Digest, Vol 34, Issue 1
by Esther Shekinah 04 Nov '24

04 Nov '24

IIMR is a research institute funded by the Govt of India, one of the many crop-based research institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The mandate of the institute is to research only/ all millet crops. Thanks, Esther Esther S Durairaj, PhD Education Director/ Research Agronomist Michael Fields Agricultural Institute www.michaelfields.org Office: 262-642-3303, Ext. 112 Cell: 614-441-2125 -----Original Message----- From: Collab <collab-bounces(a)lists.millets2023.space> On Behalf Of collab-request(a)lists.millets2023.space Sent: Saturday, November 2, 2024 7:00 AM To: collab(a)lists.millets2023.space Subject: Collab Digest, Vol 34, Issue 1 Send Collab mailing list submissions to collab(a)lists.millets2023.space To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit https://lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to collab-request(a)lists.millets2023.space You can reach the person managing the list at collab-owner(a)lists.millets2023.space When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Collab digest..." Today's Topics: 1. GSA Global Millets Expo, Purdue University, 5-6 Dec. 2024 (Don Osborn) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2024 23:17:52 -0400 From: Don Osborn <don(a)milletsalliance.org> To: collab(a)lists.millets2023.space Subject: [Collab] GSA Global Millets Expo, Purdue University, 5-6 Dec. 2024 Message-ID: <CA+RHibX0V8Cf3LKzK7kBq92UccafOeg7eg1npajZcv-ELh3ZtA(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" The GSA Global Millets Expo at Purdue, originally scheduled for early November was moved back to 5-6 December 2024. Unfortunately it is already too late to register, but if anyone on the list will be attending, it would be most interesting to hear how it goes.. The webpage is the same as before, with new information on location etc., but no details on the program (when accessed today, 11/1): https://ag.purdue.edu/events/department/foodsci/2024/11/gsa-global-millets-… I did some digging to find out more. First of all, the conference sponsors indicated by logos on the flyer are: * Fusion Systems and Services (Schaumberg, IL) https://fusionsystemsinc.com * Global Eye International Institute of Leadership NFP (address in Chicago) https://www.guidestar.org/profile/93-4298548 ; (launched in NY) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt9W-3GS8c0 * Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) https://www.millets.res.in/ * Amaze Foods LLC (a US-based company that appears to have been recently founded by Naveenchandra Karna, per mention in the digital monthly, Global Eye, #44, 23 Oct. 2024, p. 25 https://globaleyedigital.com/Newspaper/2024/44/GE-44.pdf ) * GSA Global Eye (a monthly digital newsmagazine with subscribers in India & North America) https://globaleyedigital.com/ ** (GSA is apparently Global Strategic Associates, per https://www.facebook.com/theglobaleye/ , altho the editor of Global Eye, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar also is connected with Global Strategic Alliance, Inc. in Chicago https://www.alignable.com/chicago-il/global-strategic-alliance-inc-chicago-… ) Further background on this event, including the role of Prof. Senay Simsek, Food Science, Purdue University, can be read in an article entitled "Turkish American Woman Breaks the Ceiling in the Academic World of Food Sciences," featured in the same edition of Global Eye mentioned above (#44, 23 Oct. 2024, p. 20, https://globaleyedigital.com/Newspaper/2024/44/GE-44.pdf ). An excerpt from the article pertaining to the conference is copied below, again, for your info: "Embrace the Future of Food at the GSA Global Millet Expo 2024! "Join us for the GSA GLOBAL MILLET EXPO 2024, hosted by SENAY SIMSEK at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana in collaboration with The Global Eye International Institute For Leadership NFP, Chicago, Illinois on December 5th and 6th, 2024! THIS EXPO WILL GIVE THE MANUFACTURERS OF MILLET PRODUCTS TO SHOWCASE THEIR PRODUCTS AND EXPLORE COLLABORATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH AMERICA"S TOP 20 FOOD MANUFACTURERS WHO ARE INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS WITH PURDUE"S FOOD SCIENCE DEPARTMENT. This extraordinary event will unite researchers, industry leaders, and enthusiasts to explore millet's potential as a superfood and its role in sustainable agriculture. Attendees will engage in enlightening discussions, discover groundbreaking research, and foster collaboration to address global challenges like food insecurity and climate change. Don?t miss this chance to be part of a movement that champions healthy eating and innovative farming practices. "Register now at gsaglobalmilletsexpo(a)gmail.com and help cultivate a sustainable future through the power of food!" This conference at Purdue seems most notable for the participation of the IIMR, an institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), that we understand is getting substantial funding from the government of India. One lesson I get from researching the other sponsors of this event, is that we may expect interesting initiatives on millets from entities we have not previously encountered. More as we learn about it... Don DO, EL, MI, US NAMA On Sat, Sep 7, 2024 at 1:05?AM Don Osborn <don(a)milletsalliance.org> wrote: > Just came across a webpage for this event - GSA Global Millets Expo, > at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, on 8-9 November. (in > 2 months' time): > > https://ag.purdue.edu/events/department/foodsci/2024/11/gsa-global-mil > lets-expo.html > > GSA probably stands for Graduate Students Association. The event page > is under the Department of Food Science (of the College of Agriculture > at Purdue). A forward link to registration is apparently forthcoming. > > The description on the webpage:(copied below) does not include any > details about the program > > "Welcome to the Global Millets Expo at Purdue University, a premier > event uniting government bodies, universities and key stakeholders > from around the world to elevate the global presence and availability > of millet, a group of ancient grains with deep roots in African and Asian agriculture. > These small-seeded grasses are not only highly nutritious but also > incredibly resilient, thriving in harsh climates with minimal water > compared to traditional staples like wheat and rice. As the world > faces growing challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, > and malnutrition, millets offer a promising solution. This expo aims > to harness the rising global interest in these climate-resilient and > gluten-free grains, particularly in regions like the United States, > where millet has been underutilized. Join us in exploring the immense > potential of millet to revolutionize agriculture and contribute to a > more sustainable and secure food future." > > Does anyone know more about this? Or have contacts at Purdue - Food > Science who might be able to provide more info? > > Don Osborn, PhD > (East Lansing, MI, US) > North American Millets Alliance >

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Article in Mother Jones
by Don Osborn 21 Oct '24

21 Oct '24

A very nice article spotlighting millets is featured in the Nov.-Dec. 2024 issue of Mother Jones. Entitled “Against the Grain: What to Eat When the World Dries Up: It’s time to pay attention to foods that will thrive as the climate changes,” and written by Miranda Lipton, it features quotes by Amrita Hazra (The Millet Project), Chef Pierre Thiam (Yolélé), and NAMA co-founder, Jonathon Landeck. https://www.motherjones.com/food/2024/10/millet-fonio-drought-climate-chang… DO, EL, MI, US NAMA

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Two videos on kodo millet
by Don Osborn 20 Oct '24

20 Oct '24

Here are links to a couple of short videos on kodo millet. Both are from India: "Domestication of Kodo millet (Paspalum)," Genomics Lab, 20 Nov. 2020 (5:41) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBJEMF5TcDc (This is fast paced with some very basic info and some more advanced. Pay attention! From info given at the end, it seems to have been produced for a class.) "All That You Need To Know About Kodo Millet | Dr Sarala," Millet Magic, 21 Feb. 2021 (9:15) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmC7qy-98Vc (This video also has info on the historical background of kodo, the growing of this crop, preparation for cooking, and then much discussion of purported health benefits. This could easily have been a podcast instead, as the video itself is mostly just the presenter talking.) Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance

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Suppliers & buyers of millets (expandable spreadsheet)
by Don Osborn 20 Oct '24

20 Oct '24

Attached is an Excel spreadsheet with information on outfits involved with proso millet in wholesale. These apparently include everything from farmer coop grain elevators to seed suppliers to import/export outfits. It is modified in format from a one-page document Joni shared a couple of weeks ago, and includes additional info such as websites, and an attempt to characterize the nature of the various organizations (right hand columns). It turns out that the info on the sheet Joni shared was already online in an earlier version (dated 03/02/2020) at https://ag.colorado.gov/sites/ag/files/documents/Colorado%20Millet%20Suppli… . This spreadsheet version is a draft, and most importantly, it is intended to be something that we can expand, if there is interest in so doing. I am not aware of any existing directory of organizations working with millets from harvest through trade to processing and marketing. A spreadsheet of course has the versatility to be converted to a database on the one hand, or dropped in part or whole into text documents as a table(s) on the other hand. Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance

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