landrace maize

Landrace production is not just a traditional method of agriculture but a relationship between farmer, food, and land. A diverse collection of seed is planted rather than a single cultivar. The plants are able to cross-pollinate promiscuously. For seed we select the hardiest plants who produce well without chemical inputs of any kind. Rather than seeking uniformity through the aggressive selection and inbreeding employed in the commercial production of cultivars we have a diverse population who year to year become better adapted to our land and methods.

We sourced our landrace seed from The Buffalo Seed Company in the Kansas City area. We started by co-planting both their Austin's Landrace and Re-Pioneer seed. Austin's Landrace, developed by their friend Austin Jacobs, was the first generation crossing of 4 different cultivars: Hopi Pink, Oaxacan Green, Missouri Pipe dent, and Po’suwaegah Blue. The Re-Pioneer seed is the 3rd generation crossing from 20 different varieties of pre-hybrid early 1900's cultivars. Many of which were used to create some of the first hybrid cultivars for the pioneer seed company. We were already growing Jimmy Red which we decided to add into the mix. Originating from natives in Florida, Jimmy Red was a popular cultivar for whiskey because of it's high sugar content. It was nearly extinct until a few ears were found on the farm of an old moonshiner. Ted Chewing, credited for saving the variety, was given the seed under the suggestion of feeding it to his hogs.