Sustain-A-Grain

What Sustain-A-Grain does

Sustain-A-Grain is a Kansas-based perennial grain company that commercially grows, processes, and distributes Kernza® grain products. Kernza® is the world's first commercially available perennial grain crop, developed by The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas from Intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) using traditional, non-GMO seed breeding. Sustain-A-Grain operates as a certified Kernza seed dealer, handler, and grower in partnership with The Land Institute, working with a network of farmers across the Great Plains. The company's fields are primarily in McPherson County and Marion County, with grower partnerships now extending across four states.

The company's product portfolio centers on Kernza-derived ingredients (refined and stone-milled whole grain flour, rolled flakes, brewing flakes, malted grain in multiple specialty styles, and dehulled whole grain), consumer products (egg noodles, peppernut cookies baked by Helmuth Bakery, ready-to-eat bundles, samplers), and apparel and experiential offerings. Supporting services include the twice-yearly Perennial Press print subscription and the $7,500 two-day Harvest Days experience riding along with a Kernza grower. Underlying agronomic claims include roots extending more than 10 feet deep (approximately 6x deeper than annual wheat), higher protein content than wheat, a nutty flavor profile, and co-benefits of soil erosion prevention, water filtration, carbon sequestration, and nitrogen runoff prevention.

Sustain-A-Grain runs a hybrid go-to-market spanning a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront, a wholesale/B2B ingredient channel delivering by the pallet or semi-load, direct sales to breweries, distilleries, and craft maltsters, and an emerging enterprise relationship with a national brewer for a Spring 2025 product launch. In 2024 the company shipped to 11 countries and added a partnership with Merge Impact to deliver quantified environmental Life Cycle Analysis to partners. Named customers and reference accounts include Dogfish Head Brewery (with founder Sam Calagione publicly endorsing Kernza), Whole Foods Market (which named Kernza a Top 10 Food Trend for 2022), an unnamed national brewer, and Helmuth Bakery. The company is privately held with no disclosed institutional funding beyond a $100K Right Side Capital Management round in June 2022.

Name

Sustain-A-Grain

Legal name

Sustain-A-Grain

Website

https://sustainagrain.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Sustain-A-Grain is a Kansas-based perennial grain company that grows, processes, and distributes Kernza® grain ingredients, malt, flour, noodles, and consumer products to breweries, distilleries, maltsters, food manufacturers, retail buyers, and individual consumers across 11 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Perennial Grain Products

NAICS

All Other Grain Farming (111199), Grain and Oilseed Milling (3112)

SIC

Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Grain Mill Products (2040)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialty/Heritage Grain Farming (Ancient Grains: Spelt, Einkorn, Emmer, Teff) (AFAGAAAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Grain-Based Mixes & Doughs Manufacturing (pancake/waffle mixes, baking mixes, dough bases) (AFAKABAF)

Keywords

• Perennial grain products
• Kernza grain ingredients
• Craft brewing malts
• Regenerative agriculture grains
• Sustainable baking flour

Headquarters

HQ city

Mcpherson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales (B2C E-commerce): Direct-to-consumer online storefront selling Kernza products: flour, noodles, grain, malt, flakes, cookies, and branded merchandise. Products priced per unit with tiered sizes available.
2. Wholesale / B2B Ingredient Sales: Wholesale quantities sold to retail stores, food brands, restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. Large inventory and access to cleaning, processing, and milling technologies enables flexible product formats (by the pallet or semi-load).
3. Seed and Grower Support Sales: Certified seed dealer, handler, and grower selling Kernza seed to farmers; supporting grower network with storage options and best management practices.
4. Experiential Events (Harvest Days): Two-day harvest experience with a Kernza grower for $7,500, including educational activities, culinary/or objectives, and sampling of Kernza-based beers, bread, and bourbon.
5. Subscription (Perennial Press): Twice-yearly print publication subscription — The Perennial Press — covering Sustain-A-Grain updates, field stories, and perennial grain news. Sold as a yearly subscription or gift.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Sustain-A-Grain grows, processes, and sells Kernza perennial grain and its derivatives — including refined flour, stone-milled whole grain flour, rolled flakes, brewing flakes, malted grain, dehulled and hulled grain, egg noodles, and peppernut cookies. Products are sold through a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront and a B2B wholesale / pallet-and-semi-load ingredient channel serving food manufacturers, bakeries, breweries, distilleries, and retail buyers. Supporting paid offerings include branded merchandise, the Perennial Press print publication subscription, sponsored-acre Kernza cultivation support, and 2-day immersive harvest experiences with Kernza growers.

Product overview

Sustain-A-Grain is a perennial grain company specializing in Kernza®, the first perennial grain crop developed by The Land Institute. The company offers a portfolio of products centered around Kernza grain and its derivatives. Core offerings include ingredients (Kernza flour, flakes, malted grain, whole grain) for food manufacturers, bakeries, breweries, and distilleries; consumer products (Kernza noodles, cookies, ready-to-eat bundles); and specialty brewing ingredients (malted Kernza, Kernza flakes for brewing). Supporting offerings include apparel items (hats, t-shirts, hoodies), a publication subscription (Perennial Press), experiential services (harvest day tours), and a sponsorship program for supporting Kernza cultivation. The company serves wholesale buyers, food brands, breweries, and individual consumers through its online store.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Refined Kernza Flour (20 lb / 40 lb) Kernza perennial grain flour with the bran removed; unbleached and unenriched, available in 20 lb and 40 lb bags for food manufacturers, bakeries, and restaurants.
• Kernza Stone-Milled Whole Grain Flour (4 lbs) Stone-milled whole grain Kernza flour with a rich, nutty flavor, sold in 4 lb units (case of 8 bags also available); targeted at artisan bakers, cookies, and pastries for retail consumers and small bakeries.
• Whole Stone-Milled Kernza Flour (40 lb / 45 lb / 125 lb bulk) Non-GMO, regeneratively grown, pesticide-free whole grain Kernza flour high in protein and fiber, available in 40 lb, 45 lb, and 125 lb bulk formats for wholesale bakery and food-manufacturing buyers.
• Kernza Perennial Whole Grain (Dehulled, 25 lb / 50 lb) Dehulled Kernza perennial grain that can be milled into flour, boiled as a rice or grain replacement, or used in brewing and distilling applications; sold in 25 lb and 50 lb packages.
• Hulled Kernza Perennial Grain (25 lb / 50 lb) Kernza grain with hull intact, suitable for brewing applications; sold in 25 lb and 50 lb bags.
• Rolled Kernza Flakes A naturally sweet and nutty alternative to old-fashioned oats, suitable for oatmeal, granola, and baking recipes; sold per package or by case of 12 packages.
• Kernza Flakes (Brewing, 15 lb / 50 lb) Kernza flakes developed in partnership with breweries for brewing, baking, and hot cereal applications; similar in usage and flavor to Golden Naked Oats; sold in 15 lb and 50 lb bags.
• Malted Kernza Perennial Grain (Multiple Malt Styles) Kernza malted in Pale, Pilsner, Dextrine, Biscuit, Crystal 60, Special C, Chocolate, Black, and Distillers malt styles for brewing and distilling applications; sold by the 50 lb malt unit.
• Climate Smart Kernza Noodles Traditional egg noodles made with whole grain Kernza flour with a unique nutty flavor; sold as a pack of 2 bags or a case of 16 bags.
• Kernza Peppernut Cookies (5 oz) Holiday cookies featuring distinct nutty, cinnamon, and anise flavors made with Kernza flour, baked by Helmuth Bakery (Hutchinson, KS); sold as a 5 oz package.
• Kernza Branded Apparel Branded merchandise including the Kernza Perennial Grain T-shirt, the limited-edition 'Beer Saves the World' T-shirt, the Kernza Classic Mesh-Back Hat, the Kernza Beer Hat, and the Kernza Black Hooded Sweatshirt — used to promote sustainable perennial agriculture and Kernza-based beer.
• The Perennial Press (Annual Subscription) Twice-yearly print publication sharing updates from Sustain-A-Grain, stories from the field, and reflections from people shaping the future of perennial grains; sold as an annual subscription or gift at $15 per year.
• Sponsor an Acre of Kernza Tiered sponsorship program supporting Kernza growers to ensure Kernza availability, improve water quality, and promote healthy soils; tiers include 0.25 acre ($100), 0.5 acre, 1 acre, and 40 acres.
• Harvest Days with a Kernza Grower (2-Day Experience) 2-day immersive harvest experience riding along with a Kernza grower in Kansas or Nebraska, with tailored educational and culinary objectives and sampling of Kernza-based beers, bread, and bourbon; priced at $7,500.

Quantifiable outcome

• Roots extend more than 10 feet deep — 6x deeper than regular wheat
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Merge ImpactcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership established in 2024 to measure the environmental impact of growing Kernza on water quality, wildlife habitat, and soil health, providing Life Cycle Analysis to Sustain-A-Grain partners. Differentiating data offering that supports the sustainability value proposition.
• Craft Maltster (Unnamed)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with a craft maltster to explore innovative uses of Kernza in brewing and beyond. Supports the development of new malt products and brewing applications for Kernza.
• The Land InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNearly 5 years of close collaboration. The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas developed Kernza perennial grain (domesticated from Intermediate wheatgrass using traditional seed breeding). Sustain-A-Grain is a certified seed dealer, handler, and grower of Kernza.
• Colorado Agriculture CommissionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRelationship built in 2024 to support market expansion and advocacy for Kernza in Colorado.
• Kernza Market EntitiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrengthened connections with fellow Kernza entities in the market — other organizations working on Kernza production, processing, and commercialization — to build the broader Kernza supply chain and market.
• Kansas Department of AgricultureminorOthersPartner organization supporting Kansas agriculture and Sustain-A-Grain's operations in the state.
• USDA NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service)minorOthersU.S. government agency partner supporting conservation and sustainable agriculture practices, aligned with Kernza's environmental benefits.
• Kansas WRAPS (Watershed Conservation Partnership)minorOthersWatershed conservation partnership in Kansas supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bluebird Grain Farms: An Oregon-based heritage and ancient grain farm that grows, mills, and direct-sells specialty grain flours and whole grains to consumers, bakers, and wholesalers — directly analogous to Sustain-A-Grain's farm-to-flour model, just centered on emmer, einkorn, and rye rather than Kernza.
• Maine Grains: A specialty grain milling company sourcing heritage grains from Northeast farmers and selling stone-milled flours, rolled flakes, and brewing grains to bakers, breweries, and consumers — directly comparable to Sustain-A-Grain's vertically integrated grain-to-ingredient value chain.
• Camas Country Mill: An Oregon-based stone mill specializing in heritage and ancient grains grown by its own farm network, with wholesale and direct sales to bakeries and food brands — the same vertically integrated specialty grain model Sustain-A-Grain is building with Kernza.

Broad incumbents

• Patagonia Provisions: A larger, well-capitalized regenerative-food brand selling grain-based products (and other climate-friendly foods) into mainstream retail; competes for the same climate-conscious consumer and food-brand buyer Sustain-A-Grain targets, but as a multi-category CPG brand rather than a single-grain specialist.
• Cascadian Farm (General Mills): A long-established organic and regenerative-cereal brand within General Mills; competes for sustainable-grain shelf space and regenerative-claim consumer dollars, with vastly greater distribution and marketing scale than Sustain-A-Grain.
• King Arthur Baking Company: A leading U.S. baking flour brand with a strong sustainability and regenerative-wheat program; competes for the same artisan baker and home-baker customer that Sustain-A-Grain serves, but as a diversified incumbent rather than a single-cultivar specialist.
• Bob's Red Mill: A large specialty grain, flour, and baking-ingredient brand with broad retail distribution and a heritage-grain portfolio — comparable to Sustain-A-Grain in product format and channel mix, but at vastly greater scale and category breadth.
• Anheuser-Busch InBev: The world's largest brewer, with active sustainability and regenerative-barley initiatives; relevant because Sustain-A-Grain is targeting national brewers and AB InBev's procurement scale could either validate or oversupply Kernza demand depending on direction.
• New Belgium Brewing Company: A craft brewer (now part of Kirin/Lion) with a long-standing sustainability and climate-action narrative; comparable to Sustain-A-Grain's brewer customers in its willingness to adopt novel sustainable grains for differentiated storytelling.

Others

• The Land Institute: The Kansas-based nonprofit that developed Kernza and holds the trademark. Not a competitor — Sustain-A-Grain is a licensed handler/grower — but the most strategically connected organization in the Kernza ecosystem and the source of the underlying cultivar IP.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sustain-a-grain
• Instagraminstagram.com/sustainagrain

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sustain-A-Grain