Where Corn and Soybeans Rule, the ‘Oat Mafia’ Fights for Turf

Farmers in the Upper Midwest are investing in homegrown oats. It’s good for the land. But can it work as a cash crop?The original Oat Mafia members: from left, Kevin Connelly, Martin Larsen and Tom Pyfferoen. They remember growing oats when they were younger for animal feed. Now they are growing it for people.