Prabin Bajgain received his PhD from the University of Minnesota in 2014 and devoted his post-graduate years on breeding and genetic improvement of small grain crops (rye, wheat, oat) including neo-domestication of the perennial grass intermediate wheatgrass (Kernza®) for food use. Prabin joined the USDFRC in 2025 where his research mission is to conduct basic and applied research efforts to improve perennial forage grasses to fit the needs of the dairy industry, provide environmentally sound alternatives for sustainable dairy production, and explore novel, value-added uses. His research integrates classical plant breeding with high‑throughput phenotyping, applied genomics, and advanced statistical methods to accelerate genetic gain in breeding populations. To develop grass germplasm improved for yield, forage quality, grazing tolerance, and other desirable agronomic traits, Prabin works closely with dairy farmers, seed producers, researchers, and other collaborators in the dairy and animal industry.
