Rooted in Resilience: Harnessing Rye as a Cover Crop
In the rugged heart of Colorado’s San Luis Valley, resilience is a tradition as deep as the soil itself. Here, farming isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life shaped by relentless weather, limited water, and a commitment to sustainability. Enter The Rye Resurgence Project, an innovative movement that’s turning an overlooked crop, rye, into a powerful tool for sustainable farming. With a mission to restore soil health, conserve water, and revive ancient farming practices, rye is helping farmers stay rooted and resilient in this high desert terrain.
The Rye Resurgence Project: A Revolution in Sustainable Farming
The Rye Resurgence Project isn’t about adding another cash crop to the valley’s roster; it’s about putting rye back in the spotlight as a vital cover crop that’s helping farmers cultivate sustainability. Cover crops are planted to protect and nourish soil during the off-season, keeping erosion at bay, adding organic matter, and conserving precious water—a resource that’s increasingly scarce in this arid region. Rye, in particular, has become a key player due to its hardy nature and deep root system, which draws nutrients from deep in the soil and holds it together against erosion and dust storms.
“Rye is more than just a crop—it’s a promise to our land,” said Sarah Jones of Jones Farms Organics in a recent Mad Ag interview, a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture in the valley. “It’s our way of saying, ‘We’re here for the long haul.’” And for farmers in the San Luis Valley, this promise matters. Through the Rye Resurgence Project, local farms are adopting rye as a cover crop to support sustainable practices, enrich the soil, and create a future rooted in resilience.
Photo Credit: Hart Van Denburt / CPR News (October 21, 2024)
With the Sangre De Cristo Mountains for a backdrop, Michael Jones plants rye seed at Jones Farms Organics in Hooper, Colorado.
Why Rye? The Benefits of Rye as a Cover Crop in the San Luis Valley
In the world of cover crops, rye is somewhat of an unsung hero, but the Rye Resurgence Project is changing that. Farmers across the San Luis Valley are choosing rye for its cold-hardiness, drought tolerance, and adaptability. Here’s why rye is the ideal choice for sustainable farming in Colorado’s challenging high-desert environment:
Soil Health: Rye’s deep roots hold soil in place, preventing erosion and improving soil structure. When rye decomposes, it acts as a natural fertilizer, adding organic matter that boosts fertility and supports future crops.
Moisture Retention: With water scarcity a constant concern in the valley, rye’s root system helps retain soil moisture, keeping fields viable even during the driest months.
Weed Control: Rye shades out weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and creating a cleaner, more natural farming environment.
Carbon Sequestration: As a winter cover crop, rye also absorbs and stores carbon in the soil, contributing to a healthier, more stable climate—one root at a time.
Photo Credit: From The Hip Photo
A New Harvest of Opportunities: Rye Products
Rye’s potential in the San Luis Valley goes far beyond the fields—it’s fueling a wave of unique local products that are capturing national attention. Thanks to the Rye Resurgence Project, several well-known brands are now incorporating San Luis Valley High-Alpine ‘Resurgence Rye’ into their goods, offering consumers a taste of this resilient crop. Leading the charge is Wood’s High Mountain Distillery, a local favorite producing craft spirits that celebrate the valley’s rugged flavors, while The Family Jones and Dry Land Distillers have each started using Resurgence Rye in unique, small-batch spirits that bring this local grain to life in whiskey and specialty offerings.
For craft beer lovers, The Colorado Farm Brewery, Upslope Brewing Company and Our Mutual Friend (OMF) Brewing are creating rye-inspired brews that showcase the bold, earthy notes of high-alpine rye. In the baking world, Moxie Bread Co. and Tumbleweed Bread are transforming Resurgence Rye into rustic breads and baked goods that highlight the grain’s unique flavor profile. Each of these brands represents a collaboration that honors the valley’s agricultural heritage, offering a tangible connection to the land with every sip and bite.
The Future of Rye in Colorado’s San Luis Valley
As rye fields spread across the San Luis Valley, they tell a story of renewal, resilience, and deep connection to the land. The Rye Resurgence Project represents a commitment not just to survival but to flourishing in harmony with the environment. Rye is more than a crop; it’s a testament to the power of regenerative agriculture and the potential for sustainable farming to shape the future of the valley.
The next time you’re traveling through the San Luis Valley, take a moment to notice the fields of rye waving in the wind. Those hardy stalks are more than just plants—they’re a part of the valley’s ongoing story of resilience and innovation. The expansion of rye farming is opening doors for partnerships and products that bring the valley’s story full circle—from fields to finished goods. For Mellow Moon Lodge, supporting these products and showcasing them at Rodeo Mercantile is our way of honoring the valley’s legacy and sharing its future with guests who value authenticity and sustainability.
