The Great Lakes Malting Company says it’s been working for a decade to shorten the supply chain between farmers and craft beverage producers.
Owner Jeff Malkiewicz tells Brownfield Ag Network the Traverse City, Michigan company contracts with farmers who can clean and store smaller amounts of grains like wheat, rye, oats, and barley.
“We steep the grain in water, trying to increase the moisture content so that the grain begins to sprout,” he says. “We then control that process through germination. And finally, once the barley is fully modified, we kiln it and develop the flavor profiles.”
He says locally sourced ingredients are gaining traction, despite most malt still coming from outside the region.
“I think it’s led more brewers and distillers to look within their operations and see how they can generate storytelling authenticity that their customers are looking for,” he shares. “And so, we’ve actually gotten a lot more interest as craft has matured.”
The Great Lakes Malting Company’s processing capacity has grown more than sixfold to more than 2.5 million pounds of malt each year, supported in part by a Michigan Food and Agriculture Investment Program grant.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Locally grown and processed is a trend that seems to be catching on across the nation. Michigan is one example of how government and local entrepreneurs are working together to create growth and take advantage of this trend/opportunity. Even where I live, we see this trend play out in our neighborhood supermarket where they feature “home grown” produce. There are many examples like this, and it is exciting to see.
Possibly there are examples of this nature where you operate? Perhaps there could be some way you can help support and build on the connections between local farmers/ranchers and other businesses in your community. For instance, maybe there is a cattle rancher who supplies outstanding beef to local restaurants. What if you offered, as part of your own local AgPack®, either some home-sourced meat or a restaurant certificate where that beef is served? Just a thought….
