With support from the Colorado Grain Chain, Cortez Colo.’s WildEdge Brewing Collective announces “From The Fields” (5.6% ABV), a limited release Dunkelweizen-inspired beer made with 100% Colorado-sourced ingredients, including a new grain varietal provided by the beloved Colorado-based craft malthouse, Root Shoot Malting...

...The Colorado Grain Chain provided WildEdge with a microgrant this year to fund the brew that celebrates all elements of the Colorado craft beer supply chain...

In 2022, Colorado ranked as one of the largest producers of white winter wheat and as the top producer of millet nationwide. Despite this, Colorado grains are all but absent from supermarket shelves statewide.

The Colorado Grain Chain (CGC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has been working for the last five years to connect growers and makers statewide. The group has helped highlight the broad array of grains being cultivated throughout the state. On facilitating the often difficult process of networking, CGC representative Audrey Paugh notes, “There is a huge gap in our food system, and re-localizing our grain economy is essential.”

Kevin Poss’ grandfather grew Scout 66, a cool-season wheat variety, on the family farm in Hugo. While grain production has changed significantly in the past three generations, Kevin continues growing the winter wheat variety.“ My father and grandfather both sold their grains into the commodity system,” says Kevin, a Colorado Grain Chain member. “We sell direct to consumer, and I am so grateful to my customers who make it possible for me to still carry on the family tradition of farming grains close to Hugo.”

Sarah’s experience in sales and marketing has helped the Joneses diversify their business model, allowing them to collaborate with local farmers and ranchers in ways that benefit everyone, while simultaneously protecting the local ecosystem. “The key is biodiversity, whether it’s our gut health and diet, our soil, our friends, or customers,” Sarah explains. In addition to growing over 20 varieties of potatoes, the Joneses also grow seven varieties of heirloom grains

On Aug. 24, at a ceremony held during the Colorado State Fair, Oestman Farm and Ranch was recognized as a Centennial Farm and Ranch, along with 30 other farms that have seen more than a century of operation by a single family.