At The Sourdough People, we believe that exceptional baking begins with extraordinary ingredients. That’s why we’re thrilled to highlight the inspiring story of Heartland Craft Grains, a family-operated farm and mill located in the verdant Lodi Valley of Wisconsin. This remarkable endeavor is bringing the art of grain farming back to its flavorful, nutrient-rich roots by cultivating heirloom and ancient grains that embody history, sustainability, and culinary excellence.
Heartland Craft Grains, led by Rochelle and Evan Schnadt, represents a harmonious blend of traditional agricultural wisdom and forward-thinking regenerative farming practices. From the deep, nutty notes of einkorn to the vivid sweetness of heirloom blue corn, every grain tells a story of soil, heritage, and the passion that drives this dedicated farming family. Join us as we explore their journey, the unique grains they grow, and how they’re transforming the baking landscape, one kernel at a time.
Rooted in Tradition: The Story Behind Heartland Craft Grains
The story of Heartland Craft Grains begins with a fundamental question that Rochelle and Evan posed to themselves: “Can grains be grown for flavor rather than just yield?”
Their journey to answer this question has blossomed into a flourishing enterprise that champions flavor, sustainability, and a deep respect for the land. As fourth- and fifth-generation farmers, the Schnadt family has inherited a legacy of working the soil, but they’ve taken that legacy a step further by focusing on producing grains that not only perform in the kitchen but also nourish the body and soul.
From selecting unique grain varieties with storied histories to employing regenerative farming techniques that enhance soil vitality, Rochelle and Evan have built a farm that embodies the best of tradition and innovation. Today, their grains are prized by bakers, chefs, and home cooks seeking authenticity and excellence in every bite.
The Unique Grains of Heartland Craft Grains
Heartland Craft Grains is home to an extraordinary variety of grains, each chosen for its rich flavor profile, historical significance, and culinary versatility. These grains aren’t just ingredients—they are culinary treasures.
Heirloom Corn: A True Taste of the Past
- Blue Corn: This visually stunning heirloom variety delivers a nutty sweetness and vibrant color that elevates tortillas, cornbread, polenta, and more. Its robust flavor reflects the care and craftsmanship with which it’s grown.
Ancient Grains: A Connection to History
- Einkorn: Often referred to as the “mother grain,” einkorn is the oldest known cultivated wheat. Its delicate nutty flavor and tender texture make it ideal for artisan breads, pancakes, and cookies. With its rich nutritional profile and excellent digestibility, einkorn is a favorite among health-conscious bakers.
- Spelt: A slightly younger cousin of einkorn, spelt boasts a subtle sweetness and versatility that lends itself beautifully to breads, muffins, and pastas. Its hearty flavor and unique texture set it apart from modern wheat varieties.
Heritage Wheat: Versatile and Flavorful
- Hard Red Spring Wheat: Known for its high protein content and robust structure, this wheat produces a bread flour that’s perfect for crafting sourdough loaves and other artisan breads with a chewy crumb and golden crust.
- Soft White Winter Wheat: Ideal for pastry flour, this wheat variety has a lower protein content, making it perfect for delicate baked goods such as cakes, biscuits, and cookies.
- Durum Wheat: This hard, golden grain is a staple for making fresh pasta, flatbreads, and semolina dishes, offering a nutty richness that enhances every bite.
Whole Grain Berries: Unprocessed and Versatile
Heartland Craft Grains also offers whole grain berries—untouched by milling—for those who prefer to explore the full potential of these grains. From einkorn and spelt to rye and durum, these whole grains can be cooked, toasted, or milled at home to create customized textures and flavors. They’re ideal for hearty salads, soups, and side dishes that celebrate the grain’s natural integrity.
Gluten-Free Friendly Options
For those seeking alternatives to traditional wheat, Heartland Craft Grains offers polenta corn and rolled oats, grown and milled with the same commitment to quality and flavor. These gluten-free options are versatile and satisfying, perfect for porridge, baked goods, or savory side dishes.
The Fertile Grounds of Lodi Valley
The grains of Heartland Craft Grains are deeply connected to the land where they’re grown. Situated in Wisconsin’s Lodi Valley, the farm benefits from rich silty loam soil shaped by centuries of glacial activity. This terroir, unique to the region, imbues each grain with flavors that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Rochelle and Evan embrace regenerative farming practices that prioritize soil health and ecological balance. Cover crops, diverse crop rotations, and minimal soil disturbance are the foundation of their agricultural philosophy. These techniques not only enhance soil fertility but also reduce erosion, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity.
By fostering a symbiotic relationship with their land, the Schnadts ensure that their farm remains productive and sustainable for generations to come—all while producing grains that reflect the richness of Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage.
Why Heartland Craft Grains is a Game-Changer
Heartland Craft Grains stands out in the world of grain production for several compelling reasons:
- Unparalleled Flavor: Every grain is chosen for its taste, from the earthy depth of rye to the buttery sweetness of soft white winter wheat.
- Superior Nutrition: With deeper root systems that access essential minerals, ancient and heirloom grains offer more nutrients than modern hybrids.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Regenerative practices ensure that the farm is both environmentally responsible and resilient to climate challenges.
- A Local Legacy: As members of the Something Special from Wisconsin™ program, Heartland Craft Grains celebrates and contributes to the rich agricultural economy of the state.
Bringing the Heart of Wisconsin to Your Kitchen
Bakers and home cooks alike can experience the difference that Heartland Craft Grains makes. Their thoughtfully curated bundles, like the Sourdough Specialty Gift Bundle or the Best Dang Breakfast Bundle, provide the perfect introduction to their exceptional products. Whether you’re baking rustic sourdough, creating delicate pastries, or simply enjoying a hearty bowl of oats, Heartland Craft Grains delivers quality you can taste.
Visit their website at HeartlandCraftGrains.com to explore their full range of grains, flours, and gift sets. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more inspiration and stories from the farm.
Discover how Heartland Craft Grains is rewriting the story of grain farming—one flavorful, sustainable, and nutrient-dense harvest at a time. Bring their passion and craftsmanship into your kitchen, and transform your baking with grains that are as authentic as they are extraordinary.
