How crazy would it be grow your own grain for craft brewing AT SCALE? We talk with Matt and Darin Riggs of Riggs Beer Company about their decision to open a brewery on their family's farm. From convincing their parents to change crops to working with the agriculture department at the University of Illinois for developing grains, part one covers all the crazy.

Visit the Riggs Beer Company in Urbana, Illinois! https://www.riggsbeer.com/

PATREON

Support the show! Get episodes 1 week early and bonus merch: patreon.com/respectingthebeerpodcast

FACEBOOK GROUP

Got a question about beer or just want to get social? Join the RtB Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/respectingthebeer

EMAIL

Got a question? Email us at respectingthebeer@gmail.com

--

TIMELINE

00:00 Meet the Riggs Brothers

01:34 The Unique Approach of Riggs Beer Company

03:37 Challenges and Rewards of Brewing with Homegrown Grains

04:10 Military Background and Brewing Journey

05:15 Sustainability and Agricultural Practices

12:06 Barley and Brewing Challenges

24:45 Corn and Brewing Innovations with U of I

29:01 Collaboration and Future Prospects

31:32 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

--

CREDITS

Hosts:

Bobby Fleshman

Allison Fleshman

Joel Hermansan

Gary Ardnt

Music by Sarah Lynn Huss

Recorded & Produced by David Kalsow

Brought to you by McFleshman's Brewing Co