Prairie Malt Limited, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Partner with Canadian Growers

Low-protein barley is a quality requirement of Sierra Nevada for conversion into malt for its popular craft beers such as Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Porter, and Kellerweis.

19 Feb 2010 --- Prairie Malt Limited, a joint venture that is majority owned by Cargill, has teamed with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. on its "Farming with your Brewer" program to support Canadian barley growers.

The program is designed to bring together growers that share Sierra Nevada's philosophy and values on environmental stewardship, as well as to create a value proposition with growers in key production strategies that will bring about consistent supplies of low-protein barley.

Low-protein barley is a quality requirement of Sierra Nevada for conversion into malt for its popular craft beers such as Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Porter, and Kellerweis.

"We knew that in asking growers to produce the quality of barley we need, they may have a lower yield," said Ken Grossman, president and owner of Sierra Nevada. "We worked with Prairie Malt to design a program where we could partner ahead of time to help account for some of the yield losses the grower might incur."

Grossman says the program is about much more than the financial partnership; it's about investing in the supply chain to satisfy Sierra Nevada's commitment to exceed customers' expectations.

In January 2010, growers who successfully participated in the program visited Sierra Nevada's brewery in Chico, Calif. where they had the opportunity to brew with the specialty barley malt they supplied to Sierra Nevada.

Prairie Malt coordinates the program with growers. "The program connects growers to the whole brewing process, and gives them the chance to get to know the brewer," said Chantelle Donahue, Canadian barley supply chain manager with Prairie Malt. "In the tradition of Sierra Nevada and Prairie Malt, it's a true partnership with the grower."

Ken Grossman founded Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in 1980. It was one of America's first microbreweries and remains highly regarded for using only whole-cone hops and ingredients of the highest quality. Sierra Nevada has set the standard for artisan brewers worldwide as a winner of numerous awards for its line of ales and lagers, including the flagship Pale Ale, Torpedo, Porter, Stout, Kellerweis, four seasonal beers, Harvest Ales, and a host of draft-only specialties.