Grain Revival
The Grain Revival Guide is an evolving, holistic, and comprehensive collection of resources on the Front Range grain revival movement
Grains 101
Grains are the lifeblood of kitchens and communities around the world. Find out how these staple foods are revolutionizing systems from those that take, to those that abundantly give.
Buyers
Ancient and heritage grains are tasty and in demand. As a brand or small business-owner, find out how to buy these grains for your products and why they are important for your customers.
Consumers
Interested in trying ancient and heritage grains? See where you can taste them in the Front Range, or learn how to cook with ancient and heritage varieties in your own kitchen.
Farmers
High Plains Grain Production
Wheat production in Colorado typically follows a wheat-chemical-fallow cycle, a system that ultimately takes from the producer and the land. Ancient and heritage grain production and local grain economies offer a solution—a system that pays the farmer more and reflects, even to a small degree, what the land wants to be.
WHAT’S IN DEMAND?
Demand for ancient and heritage grains is on the rise as consumers grow more interested in quality flavor, nutrition, and environmental stewardship. We surveyed grain buyers in the Front Range during the 2021 season to find out which grains they primarily purchase for their products. Wheat and barley were the most popular cereals among buyers, and they are also the principal crops of interest in the grain revival. Check out the Grain Catalog for each heritage variety of wheat and barley being grown this season!
Farmer Resources
Trial Data
Interested in data from the 2021 growing season? Check out some of the data collected from farms who are currently participating in the grain trials, as well as general information about growing grains in the Front Range.
Featured Farmers
Meet the changemakers on the ground who are helping us prepare the soil for a new story of High Plains grain production. Learn more about their operations, read their stories, and find out which varieties they’re growing this season.
Equitable Contracts
Contracts and agreements have historically created a misaligned power dynamic in the food system. Farmers usually assume most of the risk and have low bargaining power when they try to sell their crops. It does not have to continue this way. Read more about how to reframe supply agreements to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Grain Catalog
The 2021 Grain Catalog showcases all of the ancient and heritage grains that Front Range farmers grew during the 2021 season. Each variety has a unique history that translates into specific needs on the farm and suggested uses in the kitchen. This catalog aims to weave story, data, and guidance together in one place, offering useful information to farmers, buyers, and consumers alike. With gratitude toward our community partners, we meld the work of the past with new knowledge and experience with crops and systems that have the potential to give back to farmers, the land, and the community in a big way.
THE COLORADO GRAIN CHAIN
The Colorado Grain Chain is a 501(c)5 membership organization comprised of locally-owned and-operated businesses and consumers that produce and support grain and grain products from heritage, ancient and locally-adapted grain. Founding members are farmers, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers and chefs.
The Grain Chain is devoted to promoting member businesses and raising awareness and demand for their products throughout Colorado. Check out their website for heritage grain resources, educational events, and their newly developed Grain Marketplace: an online group that connects farmers with grain to buyers around Colorado!