Small Scale Grain & Beans: Grow, Process, & Save (Network)

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Comment by Laura R. on May 8, 2010 at 9:57am

BTW, I think this group should just be called "Staple Foods (beans, grains, and oil seeds)". The scale doesn't really matter as production issues are mostly the same. The focus can be increasing the amount and diversity grown here, and the group can be a for problem solving and a place to go for resources.

Comment by Laura R. on May 8, 2010 at 9:51am

Hi Brian, It was written up in the North West Ag biz Center's newsletter.

Comment by Brian Kerkvliet on May 7, 2010 at 11:25pm

Where did you see this printed laura?

Comment by Laura R. on May 7, 2010 at 1:33pm

Hi. I just saw this event that happened in Skagit. The folks involved might be a good resource. Small Grains Talk At Inspiration Farm

On Tuesday March 16, a group of about 30 farmers and local agriculture supporters gathered at Brian Kerkvliet’s Inspiration Farm in Whatcom County, where WSU’s Dr. Steve Jones gave a talk on small grains. He spoke about the history of small grain production in Western Washington, which has declined significantly in the past 50 years, and how current breeding and growing practices could support the expansion of local production.

Dr. Jones related the results of a number of successful experiments including Nash’s Organic Farm, Sequim, WA, where hard red wheat with a 15% protein content was grown. Local grower Kevin TeVelde has been producing certified organic white spring wheat which is being purchased locally by Fairhaven Organic Flour Mill, and milled into pastry flour.

Dr. Jones and Kerkvliet took the participants on a tour of the farm to look at a number of different areas where Brian is growing experimental patches of different varieties of wheat. One of the varieties developed by Dr. Jones is named Bauermeister, after NABC’s Executive Director David Bauermeister’s family. David’s family has farmed wheat in Eastern Washington for three generations.

For more information about agricultural classes at Inspiration Farm you can access their web site at: www.inspirationfarm.com

Photo Caption:
Inspiration Farm owner Brian Kerkvliet listens as Dr. Steve Jones presents.

Comment by Krista Rome on April 24, 2010 at 9:31am

With the goals of Transition in mind, small-scale hand tool methods OR larger scale (farming to make a profit and supply the greater community scale) but with methods appropriate to a future of independence from oil and other non-renewable resources makes the most sense to me. Read Heather's description under the title. We don't want to exclude anyone that is trying to localize our food system or diversify what is grown here, though, so it would still be good to encourage any farmers to connect with us, regardless of the methods they choose at this point. Just my two cents.

Comment by Krista Rome on April 18, 2010 at 8:51pm

This group was already going prior to TGU, but I've been thinking it makes sense to utilize it for that purpose also, rather than have two separate grains/beans growing groups. So for those of you that weren't at Day 2 of TGU, we started a workgroup on growing grains and dry beans, with many goals and ideas. I will post the follow-up email that I sent out to those on the email list. Anybody with ideas to add or share, or with time and energy to contribute to one or more of the items, please let me know!

Comment by Tris Shirley on April 17, 2010 at 10:21am

Since this group began as a part of the FOOD workgroup at the TGU, please check out the new TW event "All FOOD Workgroups Potluck" scheduled for Sunday, April 25th 5:00 PM. RSVP if you are in, or want to join, a FOOD workgroup.
Apologies to those who receive multiple copies of this notice. Among other things, we'll try to come up with a better way to communicate in the future.

Comment by Heather K on April 13, 2010 at 7:31pm

Hi Rob, re local wheat sources - Yes there are sources! I think folks are just real busy planting right now. Try contacting both Brian K & Walter H to see what they have available thats not already in the ground.
Much of what is available is currently being used in test plots with the focus on selecting & saving the seeds.
You might also try connecting with the research project that is down in Skagit...there should be info on that somewhere on this site.
You could also consider buying the out-of-region seeds from the Farmers coop but I think its worth getting some local seeds especially if you'll be part of also saving the seeds to share & exchange and replant.

Comment by Rob Olason on April 2, 2010 at 1:54pm

I would like to plant wheat in last year's potato patch. Are there any local seed sources?

Comment by Woody Deryckx on March 29, 2010 at 8:59pm

OK - I don't see how I can respond to messages individually so here's an idea - anyone wanting some of that barley to try out - let me know about how much you want to sample and if you are offering a trade that's cool and where you are (like mailing or dropping off address). Walter and I have a nice trade going and Tyler, you sure can have a sample too. Otherwise I'll be so happy to let you all know how we do with it in the field, in the malting house, and in the brewery. May even have a field day for interesting parties to come see the barley and the hops and.......
you can contact me at

wderyckx@gmail.com
"barley" or something in the subject line so I can spot you in the fog of email...
all best wishes all around
Namaste
woody deryckx
Gratitude Gardens

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