07/16/2026
When we first started growing broomcorn in 2023, we harvested less than 20% of plants for broom making. Since we started selecting and saving our own seed, things have gotten much better. Last year, we harvested closer to 90% of our plants and shared that improved seed with dozens of other growers across the country.
Still, one thing is clear: we no longer have a broomcorn industry on farms in the US, so regionally adapted broomcorn seed that performs well under organic management and is preferred by broom makers is difficult to find. This project aims to change that.
We're growing 6 varieties, including seeds donated to us from the Stephen Moose Lab at the University of Illinois and seeds obtained through the Seed Savers Exchange.
So far, all 6 varieties are growing well and seem healthy. Some of the taller ones have ~5% loss to 'lodging' (falling over), and the dwarf variety is already flowering! Germination was uniform across the 6 varieties, but our own farm-bred variety has more plants per row feet. This could be because germination was better with that seed, or it could be that our seed was cleaner and moved through the seeder more easily.
We are busy getting the barn cleaned out and ready for moving the broomcorn into the drying and storing and bundling phase. Later this year, we will send some of the broomcorn to broom makers to help evaluate the material from the crafter & artist perspective. The makers are our markets, so their experience will lead the way!
Interested in seeing this first hand? Come to the field day! Monday, Aug 10th, 9 am to 1:30 pm. FREE LUNCH! Registration is required. Supported by the Indiana Organic Network (ION).
https://www.bundlesticksfarm.org/event/broomcorn-for-organic-transition-field-day/
