Interested in Danko rye, hybrid rye, kernza or other specialty grains? Schreiber Farms is taking orders for the 2026-2027 season. For fall-planted grains, contact them by early July.

Ready to connect? Email schreiberfr39@gmail.com

January 8th, 2026

We're excited to introduce one of our newest Colorado Grain Chain members: Schreiber Farm & Ranch (SFR), a third-generation operation managing 6,000 acres of dryland cropland and native grass perched at a mile high elevation, east of Limon. The farm is operated by Susan (Schreiber) McFarland, her Denverite husband Stu McFarland, and their daughter Addy, logo designer and apprentice combine driver.

A Philosophy Rooted in Soil Health

For nearly a decade, SFR has practiced no-till farming, but what sets them apart is their willingness to question conventional wisdom–even their own.

"The crux of management is really trying to ignore the labels and these pigeonholes, and focus on what actually works for where we are," Stu McFarland explains.

Their approach? Diversifying the toolbox.

What started as a rigid wheat-corn-fallow rotation has evolved into an adaptive system featuring over 10 different grass and broadleaf crops, with greatly reduced fallow periods. All acres earn

4-5 stars under the STAR program. But perhaps most tellingly, they view soil health as their product–crops, cattle, and chickens are simply the tools and by-products of building healthy land. They are in the process of adding virtual fence collars and expanded stockwater infrastructure to facilitate intensive grazing on all acres, including the cropland, to reduce reliance on big equipment and conventional inputs.

Recent innovations include:

Tighter row spacing and higher plant populations with new drilling equipment
Compost extractor for nutrient management, and application on untreated seed, planned for 2026
Circular composting system that cycles ranch 'waste' back into soil fertility
Seed cleaner purchased for separating polyculture harvests and developing landrace seed sources
Perennial and polyculture crops, including a triticale/pea mix and upcoming Kernza/sainfoin plantings
New field borders added annually for habitat value and weed prevention

Their philosophy draws from permaculture principles, adapted thoughtfully to commercial scale.

"We don't believe American consumers should pay both high prices at the grocery store AND pay taxes into a heavily subsidized, extractive food system," the McFarlands note.

Current Grain Offerings

SFR is currently growing:

Serafina Hybrid Rye (KWS) – A true F1 hybrid from Germany that's gaining popularity with bakers for its milder rye characteristics, reported to have excellent yield and performance compared to traditional open-pollinated rye varieties. Perfect for bakers and brewers wanting to experiment with this exciting grain. First harvest expected in July 2026.
Danko Rye – A reliable open-pollinated Polish variety. Available now.
Kernza – The Land Institute and Sustain-A-Grain assisted with planting 50 acres to a wheatgrass and sainfoin mix, with hopes of harvesting and separating in summer 2026.

Future offerings: SFR is open to growing additional grains–buckwheat, flax, and other specialty crops–if there's interest in collaboration and market demand. They're particularly interested in perennial grains as an aspect of livestock integration.

Let's Collaborate

Are you a baker, brewer, or food producer interested in working with Schreiber Farm & Ranch?

SFR is open to growing anything that meets both profitability and ecological goals. Whether you want to experiment with their Danko or hybrid rye, secure a supply of specialty grains, or discuss contract growing opportunities, they want to hear from you.

Timeline for 2025-2026 season: For fall-planted grains (like rye), they need to know planting intentions by early July to prepare for September planting. Winter is the ideal time for cleaning, bagging, and delivery.

Get in Touch:

Email: schreiberfr39@gmail.com

Let's build a more resilient, locally-rooted grain system together–one connection at a time.

Contact Schreiber Farm & Ranch Today

Additional Information

Organizations

Schreiber Farm & Ranch LLC