Curious about the process of acclimating African indigenous grain to a PNW maritime climate? Join us in the sorghum field for hands-on learning! This year Haki’s co-directors have called in some extra help for hands-on learning in the sorghum field! We are joined by good friend, educator, and agroecologist Ben Hunsdorfer, and Lucas Nebert, OSU Assistant Professor of Practice – Seed and Planting Stock Extension Specialist, who sent us many varieties of cowpea and sorghum to trial on the farm in the 2026 growing season. Together we’ll share the challenges, successes, science, and stories behind this resilient plant we’ve been called to.

Learn more about our special guests!

Lucas Nebert is OSU’s Statewide Extension Specialist in Organic Seed and Planting Stock, based in the OSU Organic Agriculture Program in Corvallis, OR. His work focuses on low-input production of seed and planting stock, as well as strategies to preserve, maintain, improve, and adapt diverse crop varieties into the future. He also manages a half-acre, part-time, organic farm in Corvallis called Dream Seed Farm. He applies ecological and evolutionary principles to farming, drawing upon a BA in biochemistry, graduate work in plant and soil microbial ecology, and postdoctoral work in dry-farmed vegetable production and plant breeding.

Ben Hunsdorfer is an agroecologist and educator committed to the development of sustainable food systems, with two decades of experience spanning organic farm production, curriculum design, participatory research, and experiential learning across North America, Europe, and the Eastern Himalayas. He started volunteering at Haki Farm in the Winter of 2025.