Farmers, Millers, Bakers, and Maltsters Gather for 9th Annual Hudson Valley Grain School

Feb 13^th, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Stefanie Hubert
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County
845-278-6738 x223sh379@cornell.edu

Farmers, Millers, Bakers, and Maltsters Gather for 9^th Annual Hudson Valley Grain School

Brewster, NY – More than 75farmers, millers, bakers, maltsters, distillers, brewers, and cooks gathered at Tilly Foster Farm on February 7^th, 2023 for a day of presentations and discussion on processing grains for baking and brewing. The event is in its ninth year, but for the first time, the event this year was held at the historic Tilly Foster Farm site in Brewster, NY. The excitement and energy in the room reflected the growing interested in grains as a

Expert speakers for this year’s Grain School included Andrew Ross, Oregon State University, who explained how various types of grain mills make flour and the resulting flour characteristics. Nigel Tudor of Weatherbury Farm discussed de-hulling and rolling spelt, emmer, einkorn, oats, and buckwheat. Harmonie Bettenhausen, Director of Hartwick Craft Food & Beverage, presented the grain malting process, how it changes grain characteristics, how those qualities contribute to baked goods and beverages. Additional presentations discussed marketing strategies for grains new to the marketplace and growing dry beans in New York. Updates from University of Vermont and Glynwood on capturing value from cereal rye were featured throughout the day.

Bakers, craft brewers and distillers find local grains add unique qualities to their products. Our local millers have different types and brands of grain mills, which adds additional variability and uniqueness to local flours. This year’s Grain School examined those qualities in baking flour as well as how malting can add unique qualities to beverages and baked goods. As the local grain economy grows, there are new marketing opportunities for grains.

Over the last several years the local grain economy in the Hudson Valley has grown, including small-scale mills, breweries, and distilleries. Local farmers are growing more food grains as a result. Cornell Cooperative Extension is working to facilitate this agricultural and economic development.

The event was organized by CCE Ulster, CCE Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program, CCE Putnam, and Glynwood Center for Regional Farming.

For information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County’s community programs and events go to putnam.cce.cornell.edu/. Stay connected to CCEPC on Facebook at Facebook.com/cceputnam, and Instagram atInstagram.com/cceputnam and Twitter/@CCEPUTNAM

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County provides equal program and employment opportunities. Please contact our office at 845-278-6738 if you have any special needs.

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