Along with the human casualties, this conflict is having ripple effects on the rest of the world by further compounding supply chain issues and causing the price of many major goods to skyrocket. These effects are even felt in the realm of small grains as Russia and Ukraine account for nearly a third of the world’s wheat (More insight into the wheat situation can be found here and here.) and barley exports, as well as 20% of the world’s oats. Ukraine is also a major supplier of corn and sunflower oil. You’ve likely also noted fertilizer and fuel supplies and prices are also affected which means farming in 2022 just got a whole lot more expensive. Overall, it looks like the next few years are shaping up to be some tough times. 

Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful that we’ll get through this, and craft maltsters will continue to thrive. As Jennifer Breckner writes in her 2022 Craft Malt Conference summary, our industry is currently experiencing “real growth and momentum.” Similar to how Becky Harris described distillers in her CMC 2022 Craft Distilling Industry Update, craft maltsters, brewers, and farmers are also a scrappy, think-on-their-feet type of people. The current geopolitical climate makes the relocalization of supply chains more important than ever. In this capacity, craft maltsters are specially positioned to help brewers and distillers weather the difficulties that lie ahead.

Alright, onto the purpose for this email - I’m excited to bring you the Guild’s Q1 newsletter. We have some great articles to share with you this quarter. Get started by reading Brent Manning’s board of directors update to hear about the board’s activities over the past few months. Then get to know this year’s 2022 Malt Cup Best of Show Winner, Rabbit Hill Malt of Shiloh, NJ. We also discuss the process the Guild’s DEI Task Force went through with Dr. J Jackson-Beckham of Crafted For All to write our organizations’ inclusivity statement and give some advice on how you can do the same for your own business.

In 2022, our Field to Bench series is also back! First up is Dr. Glen Fox, the Anheuser-Busch Endowed Professor of Malting and Brewing Sciences at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). Additionally, Dr. Harmonie Bettenhausen of Hartwick College’s Center for Craft Food and Beverage shares her research on barley’s genetic contributions to beer flavor in our latest Quality Corner feature. Drs. Fox and Bettenhausen are also seeking abstract submissions for their upcoming barley researcher conference to be held at UC Davis this coming September 22-24, 2022. Learn more about the event here.

Lastly, don’t forget to see what events we have in the works this coming quarter and check out this month’s Malt in the Media roundup of articles and podcast episodes at the end of the email. Be well, enjoy the newsletter, and please reach out if there is any way I can be of help.

Cheers,

Jesse Bussard
Executive Director
director@craftmalting.com