Hey all, most of my study and farming
experience has been with
perennial crops with animals, and personal vegetable gardens. I don't know how to efficiently grow grains. I'm about to start a certificate in fermentation science, focused on brewing. I've wanted to connect these passions at every chance. I'm am deciding upon two programs in very different regions.
One is Ellensburg, Washington: usda one 6a, 9 inches of average of rain a year. High winds are to be expected in spring. I've never lived in a dry area and I'm doing what I can learn about methods of making use of every drop that falls on the home, wherever that is.
http://ext100.wsu.edu/kittitas/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2014/02/Welcome-to-Kittitas-County1.pdf
The other is Mount Pleasant, Michigan: usda 5a, 32 inches of average rainfall. Animal care will likely be a more prevalent part of our farming if that is a help or hindrance to this process. There is
enough water to support pasture raising.
-Malt barley: Hordeum hexastichon (6-row) and H. vulgare distichon (2-row) in mind. Are there others I
should know about? I'm open to other
-How do I grow these species efficiently without compromising the soil I'm trying to build? What can I do to prep the area, plant with/after, animal participation?
-What could you share regarding efficient harvest and processing of these grains so they are viable for malting (sprouting and drying/roasting) at a later date? Is a food grade barrel sufficient to avoid molds?
Any reads to recommend will be appreciated. Thanks for your time!
