Growers need seeds for grain pearl, finger & foxtail millets
We're in touch with two different businesses, one in northern California, the other in southern Maryland, who are trying to grow less-cultivated grain millets and need good seed. Specifically: Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas? Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use. Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains? Also need a guide for this crop (seeding to harvest). Thanks in advance for any info or pointers. Don Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance
PS- I'm told that AERC has sold out its grain pearl millet seed. Sorry for the confusion. So now we have a problem... DO, EL, MI, US NAMA On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 8:47 PM Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> wrote:
We're in touch with two different businesses, one in northern California, the other in southern Maryland, who are trying to grow less-cultivated grain millets and need good seed. Specifically:
Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas?
Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use.
Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains?
Also need a guide for this crop (seeding to harvest).
Thanks in advance for any info or pointers.
Don
Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance
Foxtail millet seeds are readily available from commercial sources. Foxtail is widely adapted and should thrive in Maryland. Some available commercial varieties which search well online: White Wonder Golden German The foxtail millet sold in pet stores as dry heads for cage pet birds can germinate well. If genetically diverse seeds are needed for research; I can assist with providing small samples from the US National Plant Germplasm System station in Ames, Iowa. David Brenner David.Brenner@USDA.GOV Or: dbrenner@iastate.edu Plant Introduction Station phone 515-294-6786 Iowa State University 716 Farm House Lane, Ames, IA 50011-1051 USA https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/search.aspx<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/search.aspx__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!DqK6hYayk90RYImdFMotOx-sENGT6rrDx411VrQF4iDA_nJq6wGgRF6GIDjvztzMtz8RAu_yzVNtHjn65PlcebnlaXxdnL3p4A$>? Curator of: Amaranthus, Celosia, Chenopodium, Coronilla, Dalea, Galega, Melilotus, Perilla, Portulaca, Spinacia, miscellaneous Umbelliferae, and the millets: Echinochloa, Panicum, and Setaria. Hatch Act NC7 Regional Project in the US National Plant Germplasm System ________________________________ From: Collab <collab-bounces@lists.millets2023.space> on behalf of Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> Sent: Sunday, May 25, 2025 7:47 PM To: collab@lists.millets2023.space <collab@lists.millets2023.space> Subject: [External Email][Collab] Growers need seeds for grain pearl, finger & foxtail millets [External Email] If this message comes from an unexpected sender or references a vague/unexpected topic; Use caution before clicking links or opening attachments. Please send any concerns or suspicious messages to: Spam.Abuse@usda.gov We're in touch with two different businesses, one in northern California, the other in southern Maryland, who are trying to grow less-cultivated grain millets and need good seed. Specifically: Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas? Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use. Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains? Also need a guide for this crop (seeding to harvest). Thanks in advance for any info or pointers. Don Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
Hi David, Thank you for your email. I have about 2 M.T of foxtail millet ready for planting. Please ask any farmers interested with 100 germ and purity. Regards *Om P.Dangi, Ph.D., P.Ag.President & CEOAgriculture Environmental Renewal Canada (AERC) Inc.821 Corkstown Rd., Ottawa, Ontario, K2K 2Y1Tel: 613 596 5927; Cell: 613-229-1886Website: www.aerc.ca <http://www.aerc.ca>* On Tue, May 27, 2025 at 10:44 AM Brenner, David (CTR) - REE-ARS via Collab < collab@lists.millets2023.space> wrote:
Foxtail millet seeds are readily available from commercial sources. Foxtail is widely adapted and should thrive in Maryland.
Some available commercial varieties which search well online: White Wonder Golden German
The foxtail millet sold in pet stores as dry heads for cage pet birds can germinate well.
If genetically diverse seeds are needed for research; I can assist with providing small samples from the US National Plant Germplasm System station in Ames, Iowa.
David Brenner David.Brenner@USDA.GOV
Or: dbrenner@iastate.edu
Plant Introduction Station phone 515-294-6786 Iowa State University
716 Farm House Lane, Ames, IA 50011-1051 USA
https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/search.aspx <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/search.aspx__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!DqK6hYayk90RYImdFMotOx-sENGT6rrDx411VrQF4iDA_nJq6wGgRF6GIDjvztzMtz8RAu_yzVNtHjn65PlcebnlaXxdnL3p4A$> ? Curator of: Amaranthus, Celosia, Chenopodium, Coronilla, Dalea, Galega, Melilotus, Perilla, Portulaca, Spinacia, miscellaneous Umbelliferae, and the millets: Echinochloa, Panicum, and Setaria. Hatch Act NC7 Regional Project in the US National Plant Germplasm System
------------------------------ *From:* Collab <collab-bounces@lists.millets2023.space> on behalf of Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> *Sent:* Sunday, May 25, 2025 7:47 PM *To:* collab@lists.millets2023.space <collab@lists.millets2023.space> *Subject:* [External Email][Collab] Growers need seeds for grain pearl, finger & foxtail millets
[External Email] If this message comes from an *unexpected sender* or references a *vague/unexpected topic;* Use caution before clicking links or opening attachments. Please send any concerns or suspicious messages to: Spam.Abuse@usda.gov We're in touch with two different businesses, one in northern California, the other in southern Maryland, who are trying to grow less-cultivated grain millets and need good seed. Specifically:
Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas?
Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use.
Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains?
Also need a guide for this crop (seeding to harvest).
Thanks in advance for any info or pointers.
Don
Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance
This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
-- Collab mailing list Collab@lists.millets2023.space https://lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab
Hi Don, I know an organic farmer who grows it for forage but not mature grain. I will see if I can find out more. thanks On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> wrote:
We're in touch with two different businesses, one in northern California, the other in southern Maryland, who are trying to grow less-cultivated grain millets and need good seed. Specifically:
Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas?
Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use.
Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains?
Also need a guide for this crop (seeding to harvest).
Thanks in advance for any info or pointers.
Don
Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance
-- Collab mailing list Collab@lists.millets2023.space https://lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab
Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas? I heard of a short duration hybrid from GA which may be suitable for grain in North America. I am trying to get more info to test in NE. Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use. NO to the best of my knowledge. Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains? Two commercial varieties available in NE (Golden German and White Wonder) are both Forage type. Will produce grain BUT may not be for human food grade quality. Dipak [cid:image001.png@01DBCF21.EE56D4E0] Dipak Santra, Ph.D. Professor (Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist) President, International Broomcorn Millet Association Department of Agronomy and Horticulture University of Nebraska–Lincoln Panhandle Research & Extension Center 4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 (308) 632-124<tel:3086321372>4 (work) / (308) 765-2324 (cell) From: Collab <collab-bounces@lists.millets2023.space> On Behalf Of Joni Kindwall-Moore via Collab Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 3:51 PM To: Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> Cc: collab@lists.millets2023.space Subject: Re: [Collab] Growers need seeds for grain pearl, finger & foxtail millets Caution: Non-NU Email Hi Don, I know an organic farmer who grows it for forage but not mature grain. I will see if I can find out more. thanks On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org<mailto:don@milletsalliance.org>> wrote: We're in touch with two different businesses, one in northern California, the other in southern Maryland, who are trying to grow less-cultivated grain millets and need good seed. Specifically: Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas? Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use. Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains? Also need a guide for this crop (seeding to harvest). Thanks in advance for any info or pointers. Don Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance -- Collab mailing list Collab@lists.millets2023.space<mailto:Collab@lists.millets2023.space> https://lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!D5EuclqFwpf41hFbneYfMsCPo-HRgoweSHs0VRmoxfEc-Z3muTXNbDj3MxnDXNEm86tzca-59o-HZ-n7MSCqm65o95-xxw$>
Thanks all for your replies,and information. Quick follow up questions. PEARL MILLET Dipak, please keep us posted on the short duration hybrid you mentioned. Om, do you still have seed available for CGPMH-90? If all else fails, what might be the potential of identifying a variety from India or Africa that might have the potential to work in our climates/latitudes, and importing seed of that? FOXTAIL MILLET Would German or White Wonder varieties of foxtail be a better bet for food uses if one had to choose? I understand that the grains of the latter tend to be larger, if that makes a difference. Joni, I thought I remembered you mentioning that you got some locally produced foxtail millet to try. (Hopefully I'm not doing an AI on this!) Om, has the foxtail millet you mention been used to produce grain for human consumption, to your knowledge? David, thanks for your offer of samples of seeds for research. Per your mention of using foxtail millet "sprays" marketed for caged birds as a source of seed, how likely do you think it would be to get a usable grain crop from such seed? FINGER MILLET What might be the potential of identifying a variety from India or Africa that might have the potential to work in our climates/latitudes? And to import seed of that? DO, EL, MI, US NAMA On Tue, May 27, 2025 at 6:16 PM Dipak Santra <dsantra2@unl.edu> wrote:
Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas?
I heard of a short duration hybrid from GA which may be suitable for grain in North America. I am trying to get more info to test in NE.
Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use.
NO to the best of my knowledge.
Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains?
Two commercial varieties available in NE (Golden German and White Wonder) are both Forage type. Will produce grain BUT may not be for human food grade quality.
*Dipak*
Dipak Santra, Ph.D.
*Professor (Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist)*
President, International Broomcorn Millet Association
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Panhandle Research & Extension Center
4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
*(*308) 632-124 <3086321372>4 (work) / (*308) 765-2324* (cell)
*From:* Collab <collab-bounces@lists.millets2023.space> *On Behalf Of *Joni Kindwall-Moore via Collab *Sent:* Tuesday, May 27, 2025 3:51 PM *To:* Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> *Cc:* collab@lists.millets2023.space *Subject:* Re: [Collab] Growers need seeds for grain pearl, finger & foxtail millets
*Caution:* Non-NU Email
Hi Don,
I know an organic farmer who grows it for forage but not mature grain. I will see if I can find out more.
thanks
On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> wrote:
We're in touch with two different businesses, one in northern California, the other in southern Maryland, who are trying to grow less-cultivated grain millets and need good seed. Specifically:
Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas?
Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use.
Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains?
Also need a guide for this crop (seeding to harvest).
Thanks in advance for any info or pointers.
Don
Don Osborn, PhD
(East Lansing, MI, US)
North American Millets Alliance
-- Collab mailing list Collab@lists.millets2023.space https://lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!D5EuclqFwpf41hFbneYfMsCPo-HRgoweSHs0VRmoxfEc-Z3muTXNbDj3MxnDXNEm86tzca-59o-HZ-n7MSCqm65o95-xxw$>
Regarding foxtail millet: I have no information about which foxtail varieties are best for food use. Within the germplasm collection there are waxy starch types that could have culinary advantages. The foxtail millet I have grown from a pet store source matured grain here in Ames, Iowa. You would be likely to get a usable grain crop. The heads may be thinner and less shattering than standard varieties. David Brenner NC7 ________________________________ From: Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org> Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 8:29 AM To: collab@lists.millets2023.space <collab@lists.millets2023.space> Cc: Santra, Dipak - ARS <dsantra2@unl.edu>; Joni Kindwall-Moore <joni@snacktivistfoods.com>; Brenner, David (CTR) - REE-ARS <david.brenner@usda.gov>; Om Dangi <aercom.dangi@gmail.com> Subject: [External Email]Re: [Collab] Growers need seeds for grain pearl, finger & foxtail millets [External Email] If this message comes from an unexpected sender or references a vague/unexpected topic; Use caution before clicking links or opening attachments. Please send any concerns or suspicious messages to: Spam.Abuse@usda.gov Thanks all for your replies,and information. Quick follow up questions. PEARL MILLET Dipak, please keep us posted on the short duration hybrid you mentioned. Om, do you still have seed available for CGPMH-90? If all else fails, what might be the potential of identifying a variety from India or Africa that might have the potential to work in our climates/latitudes, and importing seed of that? FOXTAIL MILLET Would German or White Wonder varieties of foxtail be a better bet for food uses if one had to choose? I understand that the grains of the latter tend to be larger, if that makes a difference. Joni, I thought I remembered you mentioning that you got some locally produced foxtail millet to try. (Hopefully I'm not doing an AI on this!) Om, has the foxtail millet you mention been used to produce grain for human consumption, to your knowledge? David, thanks for your offer of samples of seeds for research. Per your mention of using foxtail millet "sprays" marketed for caged birds as a source of seed, how likely do you think it would be to get a usable grain crop from such seed? FINGER MILLET What might be the potential of identifying a variety from India or Africa that might have the potential to work in our climates/latitudes? And to import seed of that? DO, EL, MI, US NAMA On Tue, May 27, 2025 at 6:16 PM Dipak Santra <dsantra2@unl.edu<mailto:dsantra2@unl.edu>> wrote: Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas? I heard of a short duration hybrid from GA which may be suitable for grain in North America. I am trying to get more info to test in NE. Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use. NO to the best of my knowledge. Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains? Two commercial varieties available in NE (Golden German and White Wonder) are both Forage type. Will produce grain BUT may not be for human food grade quality. Dipak [cid:ii_19716b42c0e4cff311] Dipak Santra, Ph.D. Professor (Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist) President, International Broomcorn Millet Association Department of Agronomy and Horticulture University of Nebraska–Lincoln Panhandle Research & Extension Center 4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 (308) 632-124<tel:3086321372>4 (work) / (308) 765-2324 (cell) From: Collab <collab-bounces@lists.millets2023.space<mailto:collab-bounces@lists.millets2023.space>> On Behalf Of Joni Kindwall-Moore via Collab Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 3:51 PM To: Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org<mailto:don@milletsalliance.org>> Cc: collab@lists.millets2023.space<mailto:collab@lists.millets2023.space> Subject: Re: [Collab] Growers need seeds for grain pearl, finger & foxtail millets Caution: Non-NU Email Hi Don, I know an organic farmer who grows it for forage but not mature grain. I will see if I can find out more. thanks On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org<mailto:don@milletsalliance.org>> wrote: We're in touch with two different businesses, one in northern California, the other in southern Maryland, who are trying to grow less-cultivated grain millets and need good seed. Specifically: Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas? Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use. Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains? Also need a guide for this crop (seeding to harvest). Thanks in advance for any info or pointers. Don Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance -- Collab mailing list Collab@lists.millets2023.space<mailto:Collab@lists.millets2023.space> https://lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!D5EuclqFwpf41hFbneYfMsCPo-HRgoweSHs0VRmoxfEc-Z3muTXNbDj3MxnDXNEm86tzca-59o-HZ-n7MSCqm65o95-xxw$> This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
My short answers (in red) to Don’s e-mail: PEARL MILLET Dipak, please keep us posted on the short duration hybrid you mentioned. Sure. FOXTAIL MILLET Would German or White Wonder varieties of foxtail be a better bet for food uses if one had to choose? I understand that the grains of the latter tend to be larger, if that makes a difference. I do not see any difference in seed size at my location. In my opinion, either variety can be used for human food if they are dehulled. In proso millet, there are no genetic distinction between variety for birdfeed and variety for human food in proso millet. Same is the case in Foxtail millet. The issue is the size and shape of the seed which will dictate dehulling. FINGER MILLET: What might be the potential of identifying a variety from India or Africa that might have the potential to work in our climates/latitudes? And to import seed of that? PEARL MILLET: If all else fails, what might be the potential of identifying a variety from India or Africa that might have the potential to work in our climates/latitudes, and importing seed of that? Very likely potential for our climate based on my field notes and selection of both finger millet and pearl millet germplasm (hybrid and inbreds) at ICRISAT, India in 2022. I selected several genotypes after consulting with ICRISAT millet breeders/geneticists and another friend of mine who is working on millet breeding at an Indian research center located at high altitude (like the High Plains). I selected several lines for Little Millet and Barnyard Millet also. Unfortunately, I never pursued importing those selected germplasm to test in Nebraska. My limitation is FUNDING. I am trying my best to keep my proso millet breeding program alive without any fund (literally). I can’t afford doing another crop without fund. Therefore, I would be happy to talk with anyone who can help me securing some fund. Any amount would be better than nothing. Thanks, and have a good day! Dipak [cid:image001.png@01DBCFAB.D5F96450] Dipak Santra, Ph.D. Professor (Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist) President, International Broomcorn Millet Association Department of Agronomy and Horticulture University of Nebraska–Lincoln Panhandle Research & Extension Center 4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 (308) 632-124<tel:3086321372>4 (work) / (308) 765-2324 (cell) From: Brenner, David (CTR) - REE-ARS <david.brenner@usda.gov> Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 7:44 AM To: Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org>; collab@lists.millets2023.space Cc: Dipak Santra <dsantra2@unl.edu>; Joni Kindwall-Moore <joni@snacktivistfoods.com>; Om Dangi <aercom.dangi@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [External Email]Re: [Collab] Growers need seeds for grain pearl, finger & foxtail millets Caution: Non-NU Email Regarding foxtail millet: I have no information about which foxtail varieties are best for food use. Within the germplasm collection there are waxy starch types that could have culinary advantages. The foxtail millet I have grown from a pet store source matured grain here in Ames, Iowa. You would be likely to get a usable grain crop. The heads may be thinner and less shattering than standard varieties. David Brenner NC7 ________________________________ From: Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org<mailto:don@milletsalliance.org>> Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 8:29 AM To: collab@lists.millets2023.space<mailto:collab@lists.millets2023.space> <collab@lists.millets2023.space<mailto:collab@lists.millets2023.space>> Cc: Santra, Dipak - ARS <dsantra2@unl.edu<mailto:dsantra2@unl.edu>>; Joni Kindwall-Moore <joni@snacktivistfoods.com<mailto:joni@snacktivistfoods.com>>; Brenner, David (CTR) - REE-ARS <david.brenner@usda.gov<mailto:david.brenner@usda.gov>>; Om Dangi <aercom.dangi@gmail.com<mailto:aercom.dangi@gmail.com>> Subject: [External Email]Re: [Collab] Growers need seeds for grain pearl, finger & foxtail millets [External Email] If this message comes from an unexpected sender or references a vague/unexpected topic; Use caution before clicking links or opening attachments. Please send any concerns or suspicious messages to: Spam.Abuse@usda.gov<mailto:Spam.Abuse@usda.gov> Thanks all for your replies,and information. Quick follow up questions. PEARL MILLET Dipak, please keep us posted on the short duration hybrid you mentioned. Om, do you still have seed available for CGPMH-90? If all else fails, what might be the potential of identifying a variety from India or Africa that might have the potential to work in our climates/latitudes, and importing seed of that? FOXTAIL MILLET Would German or White Wonder varieties of foxtail be a better bet for food uses if one had to choose? I understand that the grains of the latter tend to be larger, if that makes a difference. Joni, I thought I remembered you mentioning that you got some locally produced foxtail millet to try. (Hopefully I'm not doing an AI on this!) Om, has the foxtail millet you mention been used to produce grain for human consumption, to your knowledge? David, thanks for your offer of samples of seeds for research. Per your mention of using foxtail millet "sprays" marketed for caged birds as a source of seed, how likely do you think it would be to get a usable grain crop from such seed? FINGER MILLET What might be the potential of identifying a variety from India or Africa that might have the potential to work in our climates/latitudes? And to import seed of that? DO, EL, MI, US NAMA On Tue, May 27, 2025 at 6:16 PM Dipak Santra <dsantra2@unl.edu<mailto:dsantra2@unl.edu>> wrote: Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas? I heard of a short duration hybrid from GA which may be suitable for grain in North America. I am trying to get more info to test in NE. Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use. NO to the best of my knowledge. Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains? Two commercial varieties available in NE (Golden German and White Wonder) are both Forage type. Will produce grain BUT may not be for human food grade quality. Dipak [cid:image001.png@01DBCFAB.D5F96450] Dipak Santra, Ph.D. Professor (Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist) President, International Broomcorn Millet Association Department of Agronomy and Horticulture University of Nebraska–Lincoln Panhandle Research & Extension Center 4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 (308) 632-124<tel:3086321372>4 (work) / (308) 765-2324 (cell) From: Collab <collab-bounces@lists.millets2023.space<mailto:collab-bounces@lists.millets2023.space>> On Behalf Of Joni Kindwall-Moore via Collab Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 3:51 PM To: Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org<mailto:don@milletsalliance.org>> Cc: collab@lists.millets2023.space<mailto:collab@lists.millets2023.space> Subject: Re: [Collab] Growers need seeds for grain pearl, finger & foxtail millets Caution: Non-NU Email Hi Don, I know an organic farmer who grows it for forage but not mature grain. I will see if I can find out more. thanks On Sun, May 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM Don Osborn <don@milletsalliance.org<mailto:don@milletsalliance.org>> wrote: We're in touch with two different businesses, one in northern California, the other in southern Maryland, who are trying to grow less-cultivated grain millets and need good seed. Specifically: Pearl millet: I am told that a supplier of the TifGrain 102 variety has left the market, so supply of that may be a problem? AERC in Canada has their CGPMH-90 variety, but not sure how easy it is to import these days. Anyone have other info or ideas? Finger millet: Does anyone know of any North American source for seed for this grain? That is, for commercial growing - I know accessions can be requested from USDA for experimental use. Foxtail millet: The farm in Maryland is interested in grain foxtail. I recall Joni saying that a grower closer to her area had harvested foxtail grain - could we find out what variety? Joni, did he combine the mature grains? Also need a guide for this crop (seeding to harvest). Thanks in advance for any info or pointers. Don Don Osborn, PhD (East Lansing, MI, US) North American Millets Alliance -- Collab mailing list Collab@lists.millets2023.space<mailto:Collab@lists.millets2023.space> https://lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/lists.millets2023.space/mailman/listinfo/collab__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!D5EuclqFwpf41hFbneYfMsCPo-HRgoweSHs0VRmoxfEc-Z3muTXNbDj3MxnDXNEm86tzca-59o-HZ-n7MSCqm65o95-xxw$> This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
participants (5)
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Brenner, David (CTR) - REE-ARS -
Dipak Santra -
Don Osborn -
Joni Kindwall-Moore -
Om Dangi