Farming in the San Luis Valley, Colorado, is no easy feat. This 8,000-square-mile desert is known for its short growing seasons and fierce winds. Sarah Jones, a local farmer, often faces challenges brought on by dust storms. Just last year, a dust storm caused a 15-car pile-up on the highway, making it hard for her to pick up her kids from school.
“Dust bowl-like events are worsening,” says Jones. She recalls getting an emergency weather warning for the first time. “It’s not safe to drive or have kids outside.”
Agriculture is the backbone of the Valley’s economy, producing a large share of the nation’s fresh potatoes. Yet, every time a dust storm blows through, valuable topsoil can be lost. Jones believes one simple solution can help: planting more rye.
“We can literally prevent the dust bowl overnight,” she asserts.
### The Rise of Rye
Jones co-founded the Rye Resurgence Project, connecting rye growers to buyers. In 2024, farmers planted an additional 4,000 acres of rye, thanks to these efforts. When surveying the Valley, Jones notices that fields left bare suffer from erosion while rye-covered fields remain intact.
Rye is gaining attention as a low-tech solution to climate issues, helping farmers create healthier soil and save water. Consumers can play a role too—by enjoying whiskey made from U.S.-grown rye.
From 2009 to 2024, rye cultivation has surged by 75%, but only about 18% is actually harvested. Much of it is used to benefit the soil as a cover crop. Research shows that this method boosts water storage, reduces erosion, and supports soil health.
Rye’s roots can reach six feet deep, enhancing water retention and nutrient absorption. It also helps sequester carbon, making it valuable for combatting climate change. Sandy Syburg, a farmer from Wisconsin, emphasizes how crucial rye is in today’s unpredictable weather patterns.
Syburg’s fields have a striking difference compared to his neighbor’s conventional ones. His soil can absorb over 20 inches of water per hour—40 times more than conventional fields. This ability helps retain nutrients through storms, benefiting both the land and local water bodies.
Research from the University of Illinois indicates that using rye can decrease nitrogen runoff by 30%. This is significant for a region where agricultural runoff has led to poor water quality in nearby rivers and lakes.
### Making Rye Profitable
Despite the benefits of rye, it only covered about 4.7% of U.S. cropland as of 2022. Farmers face challenges finding markets willing to pay for their efforts in growing rye.
“If a farmer puts in time and resources, they must be compensated,” says Jones. “Why expect them to do something without payment?”
There’s a notable uptick in interest in rye whiskey too. Sales increased by a staggering 1,706% from 2009 to 2021. Master Distiller Alan Kennedy notes that rising demand for rye is part of a “rye renaissance,” moving beyond just its typical image tied to bread made with caraway seeds.
Jones is working to change that perception. Chefs, brewers, and bakers in Colorado are embracing rye in diverse ways—from whiskey to pizza dough. In fact, after introducing freshly milled rye to a popular Denver pizza spot, they now feature a blend of rye in 10-15% of their dough.
### Bridging the Gap
Farmers face challenges getting rye to markets. Many have to transport it long distances, raising costs. Increasing secondary markets for rye—like livestock feed—could help. Research indicates that incorporating rye in feed improves pig health, aligning with a larger trend toward antibiotic-free meat.
Ultimately, expanding rye production could benefit the environment and local economies. Jones has seen positive impacts in her community, where supporting local farmers helps protect vital soil and aquifers.
By showcasing the benefits of rye, from climate mitigation to culinary innovation, we could support farmers and enjoy delicious products simultaneously. Eating local rye pizza, for example, means supporting sustainable farming and making a positive impact on the planet.
Every slice counts—not just for flavor, but for the future of our environment.
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food & drink, environment, united states, climate, spirits, rye, liquor, whiskey, farming, philadelphia
