By Lisa Boldt, Executive Director, Colorado Grain Chain

Last month, I had the pleasure of joining a panel of thoughtful, passionate leaders in Colorado’s grain, food, and beverage world for a public discussion on one of the most pressing issues facing our industry: how to sustain high-quality, local grain production in the face of increasing water challenges. The event, Grains, Water & Community, was co-hosted by the Colorado Grain Chain and the Colorado Water Congress POND Committee (Professional, Outreach, Networking, and Development) and held at Cerebral Brewing’s new Aurora Arts location. With a strong turnout and active audience engagement, it reminded me how essential it is to gather in person to share knowledge, build relationships, and explore collaborative solutions.

Our panel included Nels Wroe of Dry Land Distillers, Felicia Ohnmacht of Whiskey Sisters Supply, and Daniel Gray of Dry Storage Mill - three people whose work directly intersects with the CGC’s mission to grow and support a climate-smart grain economy in Colorado. Together, we dove into topics ranging from water-smart farming practices to the opportunities and challenges of strengthening our regional grain supply chain. I opened the evening by highlighting how CGC acts as a bridge connecting growers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers, and others to build a resilient, local grain economy that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and community.

A central theme throughout the evening was water, its scarcity, its importance, and how our producers are adapting. Panelists shared how they and the growers they work with are embracing drought-tolerant varieties like Resurgence Rye and investing in regenerative practices that prioritize soil health and long-term water stewardship.

We also explored how value-added grain products like craft spirits, naturally leavened bread, and fresh-milled flour offer not just economic opportunity but a compelling story to share with our consumers. The panelists spoke candidly about the need for greater consumer education and the power of storytelling to help people see grains not just as ingredients, but as cultural and ecological products of place. Much like wine, Colorado grains have flavor profiles and histories that deserve celebration. We agreed that chefs, brewers, and bakers play a critical role in shifting consumer perception, and that we’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible through collaboration.

We also had a great audience Q&A! Attendees, from farmers to food entrepreneurs to water professionals asked thoughtful, future-oriented questions that sparked dialogue about policy, infrastructure, and how we can work together across sectors. The Colorado Grain Chain exists to cultivate exactly this kind of cross-industry connection. Events like this give me hope that, with continued collaboration, we can build a thriving, equitable grain economy that’s both climate- and community-smart.

Thank you to our co-hosts at the Colorado Water Congress POND Committee, to Cerebral Brewing for the beautiful space, and to everyone who joined us. Let’s keep the conversation going and keep finding ways to grow together!