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.

Nearly a decade ago, Todd Olander, 44, started worrying about that snowpack, the future of the family’s farm, and whether he could count on the run-off being a reliable source of irrigation water. “There's been times where we've gone into spring planting or planting corn where we're planting into dry soil knowing that there's really not any irrigation water either available, but Mother Nature’s always come through for us,” Olander told CPR News

“The whole reason why I’m here and doing this is because I believe in regenerative farming and sustainability and lowering our carbon footprint,” Pembridge adds. “You’re creating a genuine community by buying from local farmers and producers.”

I am excited that today I get to announce our first batch of organic market development grant program award winners, to which Colorado Grain Chain is one of the 10 winners for this round.

We’re incredibly excited about the success of our first Brewers & Distillers Microgrant Program in 2023, and the unique new products that have come from local suppliers and producers,” said Lisa Boldt, staff member of the CGC. “We’re very impressed by the creativity and collaboration of all the grant recipients, and the way this program has stimulated so many parts of the grain food chain.

The Colorado Grain Chain has funded a small number of beer and spirits projects with the idea of promoting Colorado-grown grains, like wheat, barley and quinoa, while helping consumers to broaden their view — these beverages aren’t just made locally, but sourced locally.

An alluring profile is to be expected.As one of the very first batches of Kernza-based whiskey ever made in Colorado, this barrel was very different from the usual wheat- or rye-based whiskey the Denver Distillery usually puts out.

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.”