Community News
Curated news and information from across the colorado grain chain
Our News Feed is a place for us to share news and information about our members as well as any educational grain chain related content sourced from across the country.
This Week in Beer: Wheat Underground Project Beers Available
via Westword
Posted July 18, 2024 2:51 pm
Wheat Underground Project Beers Available
The Story: Dry Storage partnered with the Colorado Grain Chain, Troubadour Maltings, Rocky Mountain Hay Farms and multiple breweries on the project.
The Scoop: Dry Storage's regenerative wheat is best known for being used across Colorado kitchens, including all five Michelin-starred restaurants in the state. It is now available for use in select beers through the Wheat Underground Project. The Rouge de Bordeaux grain was malted by Troubadour Maltings. It's a hard red winter wheat, native to France.
Look for beers out now from Stodgy Brewing, Our Mutual Friend Brewing, Ratio Beerworks, Odell Brewing, Monolith Brewing and New Terrain Brewing. Cerebral Brewing and New Image Brewing will release beers using the wheat in 2025 and 2026.
The Story: Dry Storage partnered with the Colorado Grain Chain, Troubadour Maltings, Rocky Mountain Hay Farms and multiple breweries on the project.
The Scoop: Dry Storage's regenerative wheat is best known for being used across Colorado kitchens, including all five Michelin-starred restaurants in the state. It is now available for use in select beers through the Wheat Underground Project. The Rouge de Bordeaux grain was malted by Troubadour Maltings. It's a hard red winter wheat, native to France.
Look for beers out now from Stodgy Brewing, Our Mutual Friend Brewing, Ratio Beerworks, Odell Brewing, Monolith Brewing and New Terrain Brewing. Cerebral Brewing and New Image Brewing will release beers using the wheat in 2025 and 2026.
Grain, Bean, and Oilseed Post-Harvest Processing Landscape Assessment Form
via docs.google.com
Posted July 18, 2024 4:29 pm
NW & Rocky Mountain Region Processing Landscape Assessment Project
Snacktivist, an Idaho-based company, is collaborating with the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center to identify processing infrastructure for non-commodity grains (such as landrace, regenerative, organic, etc), ancient grains, pseudo cereals (e.g. millet, quinoa, and sorghum), pulses, and oilseeds in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The aim is to increase the visibility and market opportunities for farmers, processors, and buyers by locating facilities that handle, clean, sort, bag, mill, store, and otherwise process grains and other crops, and gathering information on their certifications, capacity, throughput, and food safety protocols.
The ultimate goal is to create an open-source map of these facilities to make it easier for buyers and sellers of different scales to find and work with. This map will be available to those who grow, process, buy, and sell grains and grain products. Access to precise locations and other contact information for facilities will be limited to those outside the industry. We will require a viewer login to view any details of the map.
We invite you to complete this survey to support this work and the mapping of processing infrastructure for non-commodity grains! Click here to complete the survey.
We invite you to complete this survey to support this work and the mapping of processing infrastructure for non-commodity grains! Click here to complete the survey.
For additional questions, contact:
Joni Kindwall-Moore, President, Snacktivist Inc, Steering Committee USDA Regional Food System Business Center Idaho Team, Diverse Markets for Climate Resilient Ag
Colette DePhelps, University of Idaho Extension, Regional Food Business Center, Diverse Markets for Climate Resilient Ag
Martha Sullins, Colorado State University Extension, Regional Food Business Center, Diverse Markets for Climate Resilient Ag
Establishing alternative grain networks: A comparison of case experiences in South Tyrol, Italy, and Colorado, United States
via foodsystemsjournal.org
Posted July 18, 2024 4:35 pm
Abstract - Read Full Article
Alternative grain networks (AGNs) are micro-systems that supplement conventional food production and distribution systems, emphasizing high quality food and leveraging regional, socio-cultural, and socio-economic values. In this multiple case study analysis we compare two AGNs, Regiokorn in South Tyrol, Italy, and the Colorado Grain Chain (CGC) in the U.S., using qualitative and comparative analysis to explore the indicators of geographical proximity, cultural homogeneity, commercial viability, and community involvement. Regiokorn and the CGC differ in various ways in these operational dimensions as well as in their organizational setups, the former as a pure business network and the latter including consumer members. Our findings highlight how these two different organizational structures can be leveraged to achieve similar outcomes, and provide valuable insights for other AGNs in finding their own paths.
Author Biographies
Nanna L. Meyer, University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)
PhD, RDN, CSSD; Associate Professor, Department of Human Physiology and Nutrition
Giovanna Sacchi, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
Giovanna Sacchi, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
PhD; Researcher, Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences
Camilla Sartori, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
Camilla Sartori, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
MA; Master’s Student in Food Sciences for Innovation and Authenticity
Christian Fischer, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
Christian Fischer, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano
PhD; Professor, Agricultural Economics
Connections
Colorado Grain Chain Announces Colorado Organic Grains Microgrant Program
via Colorado Grain Chain
Posted July 3, 2024 9:22 am
Media Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grace Markley
(720) 421-9633
Colorado Grain Chain Announces Colorado Organic Grains Microgrant Program
Program Accepting Applications Until September 27
Longmont, CO – July 1, 2024 – The Colorado Grain Chain (CGC), a nonprofit organization that grows and connects a vibrant community-centered grain economy in the state, has announced the 2024 Colorado Organic Grains Microgrant Program. CGC will award six grants, at $5,000 each, to businesses in the middle phase of the organic grain supply chain, which falls after harvest and before retail. The application process opens on June 17 and runs through September 27. Applications can be accessed here.
“Colorado Grain Chain works to enhance market opportunities for producers and processors of organic grains,” said Lisa Boldt, executive director of CGC. “Those involved in the middle of the supply chain play a critical role in making grains more accessible to brewers, bakers, and food manufacturers, and ultimately consumers. We are excited to offer this microgrant program to help raise awareness and demand for Colorado-grown grain products.”
Potential applicants must be certified organic, or in transition to becoming certified organic, and may include those involved in milling, malting, processing, manufacturing, cleaning, storage, transportation or distribution, as well as food hubs. CGC also encourages grant applicants to use grains from their regional watershed and collaborate with other grain-related businesses.
“Receiving a microgrant allowed us to make a collaborative beer, using Colorado grown grains, with a larger brewery partner that could package and distribute the beer to a wider range of customers,” said Eric Larkin, co-founder of Cohesion Brewing and recipient of a Colorado Grain Chain microgrant in 2023. “We have always been an advocate for using locally grown grains, and being able to make people aware of the grain available here in Colorado while continuing to find new avenues to use those raw materials was incredibly exciting.”
Some examples of qualified projects that grant funds may be used for, include:
Some examples of qualified projects that grant funds may be used for, include:
- Increasing organic grain storage capacity with the purchase of pallet shelving, hard-sided grain bins or other vessels.
- Purchasing a specialized piece of equipment for malting, milling, seed cleaning, sorting or labeling.
- Hiring a public relations firm for marketing or advertising value-added products and/or the business’ role in the organic grain value chain.
- Buying a delivery vehicle to specifically alleviate organic grain supply chain bottlenecks.
- Making improvements and/or alterations to an existing building to use the space more effectively or to accommodate new equipment.
The 2024 Colorado Organic Grains Microgrant Program is made possible through the USDA Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) that CGC received in January of this year. The microgrant application process is open from June 17, 2024, through September 27, 2024. For more information and to apply, visit the Colorado Grain Chain website @ https://www.coloradograinchain.com/.
Contacto para medios de comunicación: PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA
Grace Markley
grace@philosophycommunication.com
(720) 421-9633
Colorado Grain Chain anuncia el Programa de micro subvenciones para granos orgánicos de Colorado
El programa acepta solicitudes hasta el 27 de septiembre
Longmont, CO – 1 de julio de 2024 – La Colorado Grain Chain (Cadena de Granos de Colorado o CGC por sus siglas en inglés), una organización sin fines de lucro que hace crecer y conecta una vibrante economía de granos centrada en la comunidad en el estado, ha anunciado el Colorado Organic Grains Microgrant Program (Programa de micro subvenciones de granos orgánicos de Colorado. CGC otorgará seis subvenciones, de $5,000 dólares cada una, a empresas en la fase intermedia de la cadena de suministro de granos orgánicos, que cae después de la cosecha y antes de la venta al por menor. El proceso de solicitud se abre el 17 de junio y se extiende hasta el 27 de septiembre. Se puede acceder a las solicitudes aquí.
"Colorado Grain Chain trabaja para mejorar las oportunidades de mercado de los productores y procesadores de granos orgánicos", dijo Lisa Boldt, directora ejecutiva de CGC. "Quienes participan en la parte intermedia de la cadena de suministro desempeñan un papel fundamental a la hora de hacer que los granos sean más accesibles para cerveceros, panaderos y fabricantes de alimentos y, en última instancia, para los consumidores. Estamos encantados de ofrecer este programa de micro subvenciones para ayudar a aumentar la concienciación y la demanda de productos de granos cultivados en Colorado."
Los solicitantes potenciales deben estar certificados como ecológicos, o en transición para obtener la certificación ecológica, y pueden incluir a aquellos implicados en la molienda, el malteado, el procesamiento, la fabricación, la limpieza, el almacenamiento, el transporte o la distribución, así como a los centros de distribución de alimentos. El CGC también anima a los solicitantes de subvenciones a utilizar cereales de su cuenca hidrográfica regional y a colaborar con otras empresas relacionadas con los cereales.
"Recibir una micro subvención nos permitió producir una cerveza colaborativa, utilizando granos cultivados en Colorado, con un socio cervecero más grande que podía envasar y distribuir la cerveza a una gama más amplia de clientes", dijo Eric Larkin, cofundador de Cohesion Brewing y beneficiario de una micro subvención de Colorado Grain Chain en 2023. "Siempre hemos sido defensores del uso de granos cultivados localmente, y poder dar a conocer a la gente el grano disponible aquí en Colorado mientras seguimos encontrando nuevas vías para utilizar esas materias primas fue increíblemente emocionante."
Algunos ejemplos de proyectos cualificados para los que pueden utilizarse los fondos de la subvención son:
Algunos ejemplos de proyectos cualificados para los que pueden utilizarse los fondos de la subvención son:
- Aumentar la capacidad de almacenamiento de grano ecológico con la compra de estanterías para palés, silos de grano rígidos u otros recipientes.
- Adquirir un equipo especializado para el malteado, la molienda, la limpieza de semillas, la clasificación o el etiquetado.
- La contratación de una empresa de relaciones públicas para comercializar o hacer publicidad de los productos con valor añadido y/o del papel de la empresa en la cadena de valor del grano ecológico.
- Comprar un vehículo de reparto para aliviar específicamente los cuellos de botella de la cadena de suministro de grano ecológico.
- Realizar mejoras y/o reformas en un edificio existente para utilizar el espacio de forma más eficaz o para acomodar nuevos equipos.
El Programa de micro subvenciones para granos orgánicos de Colorado 2024 es posible gracias a la subvención para el desarrollo de mercados orgánicos (OMDG) del USDA que el CGC recibió en enero de este año. El proceso de solicitud de micro subvenciones está abierto desde el 17 de junio de 2024 hasta el 27 de septiembre de 2024. Para más información y para presentar su solicitud, favor de visitar la página web de Colorado Grain Chain.
# # #
About Colorado Grain Chain
The Colorado Grain Chain is a 501(c)(3) membership based nonprofit organization whose mission is to grow and connect a vibrant community-centered grain economy for all Coloradans to participate in. Our vision is for every household, food and beverage supplier, and maker in Colorado to use and value locally grown grains. The CGC wants Colorado grown grains used in craft beers, artisan spirits, in kitchens, and on menus everywhere people live and gather. Founded by farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers and chefs, the CGC is devoted to fostering small businesses and raising awareness through support, education and promotion of locally grown grains. For more information, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Acerca de Colorado Grain Chain
La Colorado Grain Chain es una organización sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3) basada en la membresía cuya misión es hacer crecer y conectar una vibrante economía de granos centrada en la comunidad en la que puedan participar todos los habitantes de Colorado. Nuestra visión es que todos los hogares, proveedores de alimentos y bebidas y fabricantes de Colorado utilicen y valoren los granos cultivados localmente. La CGC quiere que los granos cultivados en Colorado se utilicen en cervezas artesanales, bebidas espirituosas artesanales, en las cocinas y en los menús de todos los lugares donde la gente vive y se reúne. Fundada por agricultores, molineros, panaderos, cerveceros, destiladores y chefs, la CGC se dedica a fomentar las pequeñas empresas y a crear conciencia a través del apoyo, la educación y la promoción de los granos cultivados localmente. Para más información, fvor de visitar nuestra página web y seguirnos en Facebook e Instagram.
Connections
Peaches, 'oysters' and beer: Does Colorado offer a Mile High cuisine?
via www.newhope.com
Posted June 26, 2024 11:12 am
Three Colorado Grain Chain leaders—Eric Skokan, the owner of Black Cat Farm and Bramble & Hare restaurant, which recently won a Michelin Green Star; Kelly Whitaker, a star chef who this year won Restaurateur of the Year by the James Beard Foundation; and Claudia Bouvier, owner of Pastaficio Pasta—are slated to speak at Newtopia Now.
Dry Storage Names Devin Jamroz as New CEO
via drive.google.com
Posted June 18, 2024 5:10 pm
The Colorado Grain Chain is excited to share news from our long-time CGC members, Dry Storage - fresh out of the mill!
Read the full news release here!
Read the full news release here!
Business Spotlight: Pagosa Baking Company
via www.pagosabakingcompany.com
Posted June 7, 2024 12:57 pm
Pagosa Baking Company has been in business for 23 years! Today these CGC Members are being specially recognized by the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations Kathy and the Pagosa Baking Company Team!
https://www.pagosabakingcompany.com/about-us/blog/
https://www.pagosabakingcompany.com/about-us/blog/
Organizations
Organic Dry Beans: Roller Crimper Research & Market Opportunities."
via Rodale Institute
Posted May 23, 2024 11:36 am
In 2022, Tuxedo Corn Farms, in collaboration with Soil Health Services and Rodale Institute, was allocated funds from Western SARE to research adaptation of organic no-till systems in the Western Slope of Colorado. In 2024, they received additional funding from USDA AMS, through the Organic Market Development Grant, to develop a certified organic dry bean cleaning and processing facility in Olathe, Colorado.
Virtual Webinar: Monday, June 3, 1-2 MT
Virtual Webinar: Monday, June 3, 1-2 MT
In-Person Field Walk: Wednesday, June 5, 9-12 MT @ Tuxedo Farms in Olathe, CO.
Connections
Local Producer Room - Colorado School Nutrition Association Conference
via docs.google.com
Posted May 8, 2024 5:25 pm
The School Nutrition Association of Colorado will be hosting a Local Producer Room at the Colorado School Nutrition Association's (CSNA) annual conference this June!
During this event, local producers will have the opportunity to showcase their products to upwards of 150 school districts! This individual room will be set up during the conference's exhibit hall and be available for local farmers, ranchers, and businesses producing products that are grown, raised, or processed in Colorado. The exhibition will be open from 10am to 2pm on June 13 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, CO. Tables will be provided to each local producer at no cost and CDE will be present to promote your work to food service operators. Participants may bring promotional materials and product samples to share with food service staff.
Those interested must fill out this registration form by June 1st. This will be a great opportunity to network with a wide array of school districts and promote your local products!
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Are low-water crops a realistic way to cut back on Colorado water use? 10 southwestern farmers are trying to find out.
via The Colorado Sun
Posted April 24, 2024 9:42 am
The question really is whether they can base their businesses on those crops and others, like kernza, that are still being researched, said Montezuma farmer Landan Wilson, Brian Wilson’s son. He is growing alfalfa on some fields, while dedicating others to alternative hay crops, like spring wheat, oats and beardless wheat and barley, as part of the Colorado and federal water programs.