By Brent Manning, Board President

The Guild Board of Directors hopes the summer is treating our members well. For those growing spring barley, the latest reports show the harvest is going much more smoothly than in 2021. According to our ally, the American Malting Barley Association as of July 31, 55 percent of the nation’s barley acreage was rated in good to excellent condition, 34 percentage points above the same time last year.

As we head into autumn, we encourage members and others in the craft malt supply chain to make plans to celebrate Craft Malt Week with us next month. This event, which will run from September 11-17 is designed to shine a light on the deep and meaningful connections craft malt showcases between agriculture and craft beverages. Reach out to your customers, farmers, and researchers to plan an event that tells the stories which make the craft malt industry so special. Find inspiration and learn how you can get involved here.

Over the past quarter, board members have been busy planning and strategizing for our organization’s new fiscal year. Every few years, we conduct a retreat-style meeting where we step outside of the “day-to-day” and revisit both short and long-term goals for the organization. This year’s review documented the continued success of the working group model which has expanded several key initiatives around educational opportunities and marketing programs like the Craft Malt Certified Seal program. The financial portion of this process required significant time and attention as we continue to adapt and adjust to the inflationary pressures occurring throughout the economy. Overall, this exercise helps provide a secure financial foundation for the Guild’s activities in the years ahead.

As we head into the new year, we are excited to bring back a staple Guild educational program with another offering of our Advanced Class in Craft Malt Production. The next course is slated for March 13-16, 2023 during the days leading up to our next Craft Malt Conference. Registration for both events will be open later this fall.

Members should keep an eye out for the Guild’s Annual Report sharing insights from the past fiscal year in your inbox towards the end of September. Additionally, please keep an eye out for information regarding our upcoming annual Member Malthouse Meeting and Board of Directors Election. We’ll open the floor to nominations in the coming weeks, feel free to reach out with any questions.