Local malt barley growers, which have been key in supplying a California craft brewery are in the spotlight again after the Globe and Mail published an article on the Chinook Arch Growers.
The Drumheller Mail reported in its July 7, 2015, edition, on local growers who, after the Canadian Wheat Board was dissolved, were able to sign a long-term deal with Lagunitas Brewery, based in Petaluma, California.
Last Tuesday local farmer Doug Herman was featured in the Globe and Mail article.
“For us, it’s the continuation of the conversations we have been having across the border for a number of years. For us I think it is nice to tell the story more locally because the momentum of craft is finally picking up in Canada, and it is nice to do it in your own backyard,” said Herman.
The relationship that he and the partners of Chinook Arch have built with Lagunitas is now being looked at by other growers and breweries.
“ We started as a bit of a trial project, but I know through our evolution it has spawned more similar contracts,” he said. “It’s neat that it is getting some traction now.”