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Upcoming Millets Webinar (#2), "Millets as Ancient Grains" 2023-2-15, 5 pm EST
by Don Osborn 12 Feb '23

12 Feb '23

Please join us for the upcoming Millets Webinar, Wed. 15 Feb., at 5 pm EST. It's entitled "Millets as Ancient Grains," and will feature two presentations: * Dr. Nuria Sanz, Regional Director of UNESCO Cairo Office, on “Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the Reconstitution of Past Practices of Millet Cultivation” * Dr. Abed Chauwdhury, Head of Scientific Innovation LoamBio & Co-founder, Genofax; Founder, Krishan Farmers Group, on “Is Millet the Most Ancient Crop Domesticated by Humans?" This is the second of the monthly Millets Webinars we are hosting with the University of Missouri during this, the International Year of Millets. If you are not already registered for the Millets Webinar Series, here is the link to sign up: https://umsystem.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctduutrTgoGNLZnrkxtUw614DEjAT3S… Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US North American Millets Alliance

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Two items on proso millet (one a comparison with pearl millet)
by Don Osborn 01 Feb '23

01 Feb '23

As we close out January (too soon!) here are two items about proso millet, our millet-of-the-month for the first month of the International Year of Millets. First is a good intro article by Dryland Genetics about proso, giving some reasons why proso merits interest:: https://www.drylandgenetics.com/blog/proso-millet-the-mindful-crop The second is a short 2020 video from GRIN-U Education, Dr. Meagan Schipanski (Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins) that compares proso with pearl millet (upcoming millet-of-the-month in April). https://youtu.be/lVxnacSHLHQ Proso (Panicum mileaceum) is one of the 4 most produced millets in the world (or 5, counting sorghum). In the US and to a lesser degree Canada, it has become a notable if still minor crop for several uses, notably grain and forage. As a crop, it is attracting increasing interest among farmers in the US who are facing dryer conditions and water limitations. One challenge, however, is developing markets for the grain. Proso is one of the three millets cultivated on a commercial scale in the region for food-grade grains (along with sorghum and teff), and is the one generally labeled simply as “millet” in stores in the US & Canada. Although proso's month - January - is over, we’ll definitely be hearing more about this millet over the course of the rest of the International Year of Millets, even as we spotlight other millets. The purpose of millet-of-the-month is just to spotlight each millet in turn. Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance

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Millets Webinar #1, 18 Jan 2023, video & slides
by Don Osborn 24 Jan '23

24 Jan '23

Thanks again to Dr. Rob Myers (Director, Center for Regenerative Agriculture, University of Missouri, & NCR-SARE Regional Director of Extension Programs), and Mr. David Brenner (Regional Project NC7 in the US National Plant Germplasm System, USDA & Iowa State University) for their presentations in the first of the Millets Webinar Series (18 Jan. 2023) that NAMA and University of Missouri are organizing. And thanks also to Dr. Kiruba Krishnaswamy, Bethany Bedeker, Sophia Sapp, and Mercy Nani, all of the University of Missouri, for helping make this edition of the Webinar a success. Attached are Rob's and David's slide presentations, in PDF format. The entire session, including intros and Q&A was recorded, and is available at: https://youtu.be/1xKaoQoaj30 Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance don(a)milletsalliance.org (bcc'd as a courtesy to 6 people who are not subscribed to Collab)

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Introduction - Donnie Valdez
by Donnie Valdez 18 Jan '23

18 Jan '23

Hello, I am Donnie Valdez, a producer from Texas. My interest in millets is in being able to grow a healthy grain food option for today's market. I also spent some time as a cropping systems researcher so I have seen millets in research in Texas. -- Dionicio "Donnie Valdez II, '85

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Introducing the Millets Webinar Series 2023
by Don Osborn 13 Jan '23

13 Jan '23

[On behalf of NAMA, the University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture, and the FEAST Lab at the University of Missouri] Hello everyone! Happy New Year! The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2023 the “International Year of Millets”! Millets – a group of ancient small-grained crops largely overlooked in modern agriculture – are being recognized for their potential to contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In particular, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good health & well-being), SDG 8 (Decent work & economic growth), SDG 12 (Responsible consumption & production), SDG 13 (Climate action), and SDG 15 (Life on land). In observance of this Year, we will be holding webinars the third Wednesday of every month from 5-6 PM Eastern Time via Zoom to learn more about millets around the world. Topics covered will range from their uses, their climate resilience, their processing and preparation as food, their rich nutritional profiles, how to incorporate them into meals, millet products and beverages in the marketplace, the economic and community impact of millets, millets for animals, and other potential uses of millets. Our first webinar will cover “A virtual tour of diverse millets from around the world for food systems and other benefits” presented by guest speakers, Dr. Rob Myers and David Brenner. It will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 5-6 PM Eastern Time on Zoom: https://umsystem.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctduutrTgoGNLZnrkxtUw614DEjAT3S… We hope you will take time to learn more about millets! Thank you! North American Millets Alliance University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture FEAST Lab at the University of Missouri Attachments: * This letter in PDF with additional information on millets and the presenters * Overview of International Year of Millets Webinar Series

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Millets in the Pacific NW!
by Joni Kindwall-Moore 05 Jan '23

05 Jan '23

Here is a great write-up about proso growing programs in the Pacific NW! https://www.capitalpress.com/ag_sectors/grains/millet-momentum-northwest-re… -- Joni Kindwall-Moore BSN-RN, BA Founder, Innovator, Mother, Nurse, CEO, Activist *SNACKTIVIST INC* P: 406-334-1608 *www.snacktivistfoods.com <http://www.snacktivistfoods.com/>*

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"Sorghum and Millet in Mexico" (2002)
by Don Osborn 24 Dec '22

24 Dec '22

Among other things, I've been looking for more information about millets and sorghum in Mexico - species, production, and uses, A while ago I came across a publication in English giving a useful overview of these crops in Mexico, even though it's already two decades old. I'll quote or summarize important points below, following the citation (with notes) and abstract: Williams-Alanís, Héctor, "Sorghum and Millet in Mexico," Chap. 75 (pp. 457-463) in John F. Leslie, ed. Sorghum and Millets Diseases (Iowa State Press, 2002) https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470384923.ch75 [NB- this is a compilation of articles presented at a 2000 conference, which was the third in a series on sorghum & millets diseases; there appears to also be a 2003 edition under the Wiley label, with 2008 date also seen; I'm working off a PDF of the 2002 ed. Héctor Williams-Alanís is or was a researcher at Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) in Mexico] ABSTRACT "Sorghum is one the most important crops in Mexico and is cultivated on the third largest area, after maize and dry beans. The area planted to sorghum and the amount of grain produced have generally increased over the last 40 years. Sorghum grain is used mainly for animal feed, but 44% of the national production is imported to satisfy annual demand. In contrast, millet is an almost unknown crop in Mexico. However, there are excellent prospects for millet production, primarily in arid and semi-arid regions. Any millet grain produced probably would be used to supplement sorghum in animal feeding, as millet has a higher nutritional value. Both sorghum and millet could be, but have not been, used for human food." SORGHUM (my notes, unless in quotes) "Sorghum was originally introduced to dry land regions of Mexico because of its drought tolerance. However, it has been adapted to all irrigated and dry land areas in the country." First publication about sorghum in Mexico was in 1882. "... sorghum production in Mexico began to be successful following the first use of hybrids in Texas in the late 1950s. After discovering the potential of these hybrids, farmers in both northern and central Mexico adopted them quickly. At the same time, there was great demand for grain sorghum by the livestock feed industry." "Sorghum research in Mexico has been partially responsible for one of the most successful episodes in Mexican agricultural history and is sometimes termed the 'Second Green Revolution.' Measured in terms of adoption and yield increments, sorghum has been more successful in Mexico than wheat, the major crop of the Green Revolution." List & brief explanations of constraints and problems in production of sorghum. Discussion of sorghum cultivation and uses by region of the country. Mexico is among the top 5 producers of sorghum in the world, accounting for 10% of total production, but at the same time it is also the biggest importer of sorghum, Sorghum accounts for the "third largest in cultivated area (1.8 million hectares) and the second largest in grain production (5.8 million tons per year)" "Forage sorghum is cultivated in 137,000 ha averaging 24.3 tons of forage per ha" (note that this area is <10% of the total under sorghum cultivation) "*Sorghum uses in Mexico*. Grain sorghum is used directly for animal feed and for feed manufacture. Sorghum grain comprises 60-80% of the total material in poultry and pork diets. Maize is more expensive than sorghum and is used primarily for human consumption and not for animal feed. The basic food commodities consumed by the Mexican people-eggs, milk, and beef-are all produced primarily with sorghum. An undetermined amount of grain sorghum is utilized as malt for beer production. Sorghum also may be used directly as human food in combination with maize to make tortillas." "*The future of sorghum in Mexico*. In recent years, Mexico has been increasing sorghum production. Drought, high temperature tolerance, and adaptation to diverse soil types make sorghum a good option for farmers. Sorghum’s future in Mexico is in rain fed regions where both the grain and the forage can be used in livestock production. The current high demand for grain sorghum by feed manufacturers requires importation of sorghum grain equivalent to 44% of national production. Research in sorghum breeding for drought tolerance and agronomic practices to conserve soil moisture are important for sorghum’s future in Mexico" MILLETS (my notes, unless in quotes) As with sorghum, there is a lot of information in this section, The author at various times refers to proso, foxtail, and pearl millets, and once to teff, but it is often not clear whether when referring to "millet," he means millets in general or a particular millet from among them. "Millet is an almost unknown crop in Mexico; however, it has great potential for establishment in the country because of the available climate(s). In the past, small areas of millet have been cultivated for grain, forage and bird seed. There are no statistics available on production area and yield for millets in Mexico." Research on millets in Mexico began about 1967, but has tended to be dispersed among different entities in various locations. "Several different millet species have been evaluated, including pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and the minor millets - teff (Eragrostis tef), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum)." Some discussion of specific research trials. Discussion of millets in northern and southern Mexico. Wrt forage, this finding"from northern Mexico is interesting: "Millet also has higher water, soil, and time efficiency than either maize or sorghum. Millet can produce almost a ton of protein per hectare in only 51 days, while maize and sorghum require twice this time. "*Human consumption*. *Millet bread*. Bread and cookies can be baked when flour from foxtail millet is mixed 15:85 mi1let:wheat. The composite flour yielded a bread with a volume and texture similar to that of whole wheat bread. Good quality cookies with a 40:60 millet:wheat composite flour. Both the bread and the cookies made with millet had good acceptance. "*Millet tortillas*. Maize tortillas are a staple food in Mexico. In 1983, the food technology laboratory at CIFAP Mexico (Centro de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias del Valle de México), evaluated millet grain as tortilla ingredient. Millet has excellent organoleptic characteristics when a 10:90 millet:corn composite flour is used to make tortillas. Tortillas made solely from minor millet grain by using a maize recipe had good appearance and taste. Millet grain is acceptable for human consumption due to its low tannin and phenol content." Mention of significance for Mexico of US research on millets. "*Future of Millet*. Millet has excellent prospects in Mexico, primarily in arid and semi-arid regions, and in areas with poor soils. The most important features for millet in Mexico are drought tolerance, early maturity, and adaptation to a variety of soil conditions. Millet grain can complement or replace sorghum in animal feed, and producing the grain locally would help to decrease the grain sorghum deficit in Mexico that requires the annual importation of ≥ 2.8 million tons of grain sorghum. Demand for millet also might increase when industry begins to exploit millet's increased nutritive value relative to sorghum." CONCLUSION (mine) I found this to be a great introductory article on millets and sorghum in Mexico. It is well referenced, and anyone doing research on this topic would likely find the sources of interest. Am assuming that any more detailed or extensive treatment of this topic (broadly or focused on specific crops) would be in Spanish. Any further info would be appreciated. That said, it was not easy to get a copy. I was able to scrounge up a PDF of what is apparently the first edition of the whole book compilation (cited above), and have extracted the pages of this chapter. I believe it would be consistent with fair use to share that with anyone who is interested (you may contact me off-list at the email in the sig). Don Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance don(a)milletsalliance.org

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Collaborate, Advise, Source: Millets
by Natural Products India 23 Dec '22

23 Dec '22

Dear All, We are based in Mumbai, INDIA. Having travelled to more than 15 countries while marketing Natural Ingredients since 1996 when we began, after sourcing from Indian Small, Medium & Large Manufacturers and being Advisor to University abroad, have developed considerable knowledge, wisdom, flexibility, confidence and strength expertise, we have now entered the Millet Space. We have contacts with Millet Farmers ( All different types of Millets ) , Farmer Producer Organisations ( FPOs), Primary & Secondary Processers and also their Machinery suppliers, Millet Food Technologists, Start ups in Millets, Scientists, Researchers, Formulators, Tech providers in Millets, etc..spread all over India. The data collection is a continuous process after communication with each of the stakeholder at Top Management level only. Would like to know what services can we render to US Companies who want to tap the Millet Market of now & future in USA, INDIA & other countries. Looking forward to hearing from you, Milan Mehta, B.E ( Chem.) M: +919867160616 Rym Exports 23,Anuradha, Old Nagardas Road, Andheri East, Mumbai 400069 INDIA. www.naturalproducts-india.com www.neemfromindia.com www.neemuses.com

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Little millet & kodo millet in North America?
by Don Osborn 22 Dec '22

22 Dec '22

A question came up in the NAMA meeting on Nov. 17, concerning whether anyone in North America is growing either little millet (*Panicum sumatrense*) or kodo millet (*Paspalum scrobiculatum*). I'll offer answers here and add some info of possible interest. The short answers are no - neither little millet nor kodo millet are grown as crops in North America. Longer answers follow: LITTLE MILLET (not to be confused with switchgrass) It may be that there is no little millet as a plant at all in North America. (It is a native to, and domesticated in, Asia.) Confusing the matter a bit is that a related species that is native to North America, *Panicum virgatum* (called a switchgrass) has evidently at some time been given the synonym *P. sumatrense*./1 /2 However, it is not the same. *P. virgatum* is grown as an ornamental, with some discussion of its value for biofuel. I don't find any information on whether its seeds were ever used as food in the distant past. It is interesting that two other relatives of little millet in the Panicum genus are grown as food in North America, namely proso millet (P. miliaceum) and Sonoran panic grass or millet (P. hiericaule), altho the latter only on a very small scale. KODO MILLET (aka ricegrass paspalum) On the other hand, kodo millet, better known in the US (and Canada?) by names such as ricegrass paspalum, is present in North America, but it is not grown as a crop. In fact, it has been "declared a 'noxious or quarantine weed' in at least ten states" in the US, and as "a noxious weed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA-APHIS)."/3 Kodo is a native of Africa, but a crop mainly in South Asia. I have no info on how it came to North America, but might it have been from seeds brought during the slave trade?/4 /5 Kodo appears to be the only member of the *Paspalum* genus to be cultivated for its grains. Another member of this genus, *P. vaginatum*, aka seashore paspalum, has received attention as a resilient turfgrass. A cultivar of this species is being used in the fields at the current World Cup in Qatar /6 Don Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US North American Millets Alliance Notes: 1. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/panicum-virgatum-northwind/ 2. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderProfileResul… 3. http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=1423 4. https://www.science.org/content/article/american-rice-out-africa 5. https://www.geog.psu.edu/sites/www.geog.psu.edu/files/event/miller-lecture-… (see especialy under "Slave Agency in Instigating the Cultivation of African Foodstaples") 6. https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=5a34763e-a2c7-44e7-8fb3-2859… (see under "Plant Breeders' Rights")

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Article: Tenera Grains & Teffola in Michigan
by Don Osborn 21 Dec '22

21 Dec '22

On the Teffola (teff granola) mailing list, I received a link to an article on their operation in southern Michigan, and am passing it on: "A future in ancient grains," by Megan Schilling, Successful Farming, 6 Dec. 2022 https://www.agriculture.com/crops/a-future-in-ancient-grains The article kicker: "This Michigan farm’s specialty crops may be the way of the future. It all started with planting the ancient grain teff in 2015." This is one of the rare farms east of the Mississippi producing grain teff for human consumption. I believe they also grow proso millet. It is connected with capacity to process the grains and a business to combine teff with other ingredients in unique products for the retail market. If you come across interesting articles like this on millets, please feel free to post them to Collab. Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US North American Millets Alliance don(a)milletsalliance.com

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