Buckwheat processing creates markets for Michigan farmers

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Buckwheat processing creates markets for Michigan farmers

A small Michigan food manufacturer expects the state to play a larger role in buckwheat production due to increasing consumer demand for the ancient grain.

Claire Smith is the seventh generation of the family business and founder of Tenera Grains.

“It grows really well in Michigan, and when I first told my dad about it, he called it the poor man’s crop because it can grow but doesn’t need good soil,” she says. “We can grow it pretty easily, and it’s great for northern climates because it has a short growing season.”

She tells Brownfield that the family began growing buckwheat and teff about 10 years ago as alternative crops to diversify their profit margins and recently added a processing facility.

“Our farm has started dehulling buckwheat, which is a challenging task, and we are only the third processor capable of doing this and actually keeping the final product 100 percent gluten-free,” she explains.

Smith says more state and federal investment in the middle supply chain should help farmers get more value from their crops.

“I think farmers are interested in selling directly to food manufacturers or further down the supply chain because they want to make more profit,” she says. “They have their marketable crop, they have the crop that pays the bills, but they’re looking for that extra cushion that really makes their profit and loss statement a little bit more comfortable.”

Ternera Grains produces gluten-free cereals and snacks under the Teffola brand, which is available in select stores in the Midwest and online.

Smith recently highlighted the potential of Michigan buckwheat at Michigan State University’s Food-Grade Grains Field Day.

Audio: Claire Smith, Tenera Grains