A Message from CGA Executive Director Madelyn Smith
Dear Common Grain Alliance community,
As we approach the Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair & Conference in a few short weeks, I'm filled with excitement about the momentum building in our regional grain community. Since December, we've welcomed 29 new members to the Common Grain Alliance, bringing our network to 170 strong. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of the vital role local grain plays in our food system and economy.
The upcoming conference on March 17th promises to be our best yet, featuring Alisa Crawford's keynote on milling history and heritage grains, alongside discussions on building locally adapted and climate resilient farming systems, hands-on workshops on baking and millstone maintenance, and grower/buyer networking. I'm particularly looking forward to our opening reception at Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery on March 16th, where we'll have the chance to connect and celebrate the launch of the COMMON GRAIN Mid-Atlantic Lager by Wheatland Spring, a true testament to the collaborative spirit of our alliance.
Our growing network reminds us that we're stronger together. Whether you're a farmer, miller, maltster, baker, brewer, or grain enthusiast, your participation in this community helps build the resilience and diversity our regional food system needs. I hope to see many of you at the Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair and Conference where we can continue strengthening these vital connections.
With gratitude for all you do,
Madelyn Smith
Since December, we’re proud to announce 29 new members have joined the Common Grain Alliance community, bringing our network to 170 strong.
Let’s be sure to give them a warm welcome, especially if you’ll be at the upcoming Mid-Atlantic Grains Conference next month! All CGA members are invited to join us for a conference opening reception on March 16 at 5:30pm at Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, only for members, speakers, sponsors, and invited guests.
Saints & Monsters Distillery
Gwen Calais-Haase
Elam Hill Farm
Matt Rosier
Justin Rosengarten
Cub Field Farm
Bret Hathaway
Benita Stentiford
Ellen Gordon
Jon Branstrator
Kristine Swann
Harvest Bloom Farm
Matthew Farber
It’s here! Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery’s COMMON GRAIN Mid-Atlantic Lager is a collaboration between the Common Grain Alliance, Wheatland Spring, Murphy & Rude Malting Co., and Deer Creek Malthouse. It’s a genuine regional beer that celebrates the grain breeders, dedicated farmers, craft maltsters, and truly local brewers advancing the Mid-Atlantic grain movement, brewed to highlight the Mid-Atlantic Grain Fair happening next month on March 16.
To kick off the launch of COMMON GRAIN, CGA’s Communications Coordinator Kalina Newman moderated a lively discussion about beer and the regional grain movement on Monday, February 24 at ChurchKey in Washington, D.C. The panel featured Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery’s John Branding, Jeffrey Bloem of Murphy & Rude Malting Co., and Josh Chapman of Upwell Beer Co. In case you missed the event, COMMON GRAIN is still available on tap at ChurchKey for a limited time, so get it while you can—or head over to Waterford, VA to have it right from the source!
