Drop-Tine Podcast -The official deer management, food plot & habitat podcast · Jason R. Snavely

Ancient Grains for Wildlife

March 3, 2023·1 hr 17 min·5 clips

Bob Quinn shares how ancient wheat healed a woman's gluten sensitivity, sparking his journey into food as medicine.

Jason Snavely hosts this episode focused on ancient and heritage grains for wildlife habitat and food plots. His guest is Bob Quinn, a Montana farmer recognized as a pioneer in reviving ancient grains like Kamut wheat. Quinn transitioned from being a commodity farmer to specializing in nutrient-dense, older grain varieties. Snavely introduces his new product, the Drop Tine Ancient Grains Blender, developed after years of seeking seeds grown in healthy, biologically active soils. He argues that seeds bred in degraded, synthetic agricultural systems are ill-suited for regenerative food plots. Bob Quinn shares the origin story of Kamut, reportedly discovered from seeds claimed to be from an Egyptian tomb. Quinn details human studies comparing ancient and modern wheat, noting improvements in inflammation, insulin resistance, and antioxidant capacity for those eating ancient grains. He explains the "gluten mystery," suggesting modern wheat breeding for yield and disease resistance altered gluten, making it harder to digest. A key insight is Quinn's belief that food should be viewed as medicine, with nutritional value prioritized over commodity yield. He describes the Kamut brand's requirements for organic growing practices and nutritional testing to ensure quality. Snavely draws a parallel between high-quality forage for deer maternal health and the importance of nutrient-dense seeds for plant health. The conversation notes that some elite athletes prefer ancient grains like Kamut as a high-energy food source. Quinn advocates for a win-win business model where consumers pay more for superior food, benefiting both health and farmers. Snavely shares anecdotal feedback from wildlife veterinarians about detecting chemicals like glyphosate in deer tissues. The tone is conversational and educational, blending personal experience with advocacy for regenerative agriculture. Listeners interested in soil health, regenerative food plotting, or the links between crop and human nutrition will find this episode compelling. Those solely focused on conventional, high-yield food plot strategies or uninterested in agricultural philosophy might find less immediate relevance.

As heard by us

Ancient grains are framed as a practical food-plot choice, with regenerative sourcing and seed prep at the center.

The episode frames ancient and heritage grains as a workable food-plot option, with Jason Snavely presented as a certified wildlife biologist, private wildlife consultant, and the founder of Drop Time Wildlife Consulting, the Drop Time Seed Company, and the Drop Time Podcast.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play if you want your food-plot seed talk rooted in soil, not slogans.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Drop-Tine Podcast -The official deer management, food plot & habitat podcast