THE CASCADIA GRAINS CONFERENCE brings together farmers, processors and end-users, as well as investors, brokers and local government officials to support rebuilding a grain economy west of the Cascade Mountains in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia through three value-added enterprises: brewing and distilling, poultry and livestock feed, and artisan baking. The next Cascadia Grains Conference will be held Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Tacoma, WA. Registration will open soon.
Proudly supported by Bob’s Red Mill, Fremont Brewing Company, Puratos & WSU Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources (CSANR).
GRAINS in Western Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia have been in cultivation since the fur-trade era of the mid‐1800s. Today, plantings of wheat, barley, oats, rye, and triticale are commonly rotated with high‐value fruit, vegetable, and bulb crops in the coastal Cascadia region. Grains play an important role in reducing nutrient loss, providing organic matter to the soil, as well as breaking disease and pest cycles.
THE DEMAND from consumers for regionally‐produced grains has improved the profit potential and kindled grower interest in better crop management practices and improved crop quality for bread, beer, animal feed, and other end-uses. However, developing markets outside of the commodity chain is not easy for growers in Western Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. In part this is due to critical handling and processing infrastructure having been moved, dismantled, or repurposed for non‐ agricultural uses. Also, the generational knowledge of growing grain has been lost in many corners of our region.
AT THE CONFERENCE:
● Farmers learn about grain production, connect with scale‐appropriate buyers, and learn strategies on increasing demands for cereals used for poultry and livestock feeds, artisan breads, brewing, and distilling.
● Processors & end-users get an inside look into grain production, quality, and brokering relationships to get the grain you want and need.
● Investors, brokers & local government officials get the scoop on rising investment and policy opportunities.
This conference is presented by the Washington State University (WSU) Extension. It was organized to augment the efforts of the Kneading Conference West held at WSU Mount Vernon.
Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
