Barley explored as new U.P. crop to support craft beer

As the demand for Michigan craft beers increases, brewers are looking for an in-state-grown crop in high demand; barley. There's a project underway to help U.P. farmers step up their barley growing in response. 

Excerpt: Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was recently awarded a grant to explore the agronomic potential of barley and the feasibility of processing that barley for malt in northern Michigan. These funds, awarded through the MSU Project GREEEN grant program, will allow for variety testing at four sites through the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula to identify which varieties are most productive, both in terms of yield and quality.

For more on the idea, go here.

Source: MSU Extension