The bottom line in raising crops is whether the projected receipts for the crop will be greater than the projected costs for producing it. It is the responsibility of each producer to carefully evaluate the marketing potential for an alternative field crop before getting into production. Market supply and demand, depth of market in terms of how much of a crop is needed to saturate the market, and market stability are very important topics to research. Availability and location of the nearest market, marketing strategies, and access to processing are also important considerations. Markets for alternative crops can vary greatly, depending on the crop.
Proso millet is marketed through elevators where it is grown locally and is used for birdseed.
Spelt is grown under contract and sold to health food stores as grain, white flour, and processed products such as pancake mix and cereals. It is marketed as a wheat alternative for people who have wheat allergies. Many alternative crops are marketed by contract to processors or packers. It is unlikely that alternative crops are handled by local elevators or marketing channels. Elevators in some locations will take alternative crops, but they should be contacted before planting specific crops that are intended for delivery to them.