Jeff bloem

Jeff is the Founder of Murphy & Rude Malting Co., a 200-ton annual capacity craft malt house in Charlottesville, Virginia and currently serves as CGA’s board finance chair. Murphy & Rude Malting Co. has partnered with over 100 breweries, distilleries, and bakeries emphasizing these industries’ connection with Virginia agriculture. Murphy & Rude Malting’s direct work with Virginia grain growers and downstream craft beverage producers provides Jeff a unique perspective on the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities in stimulating a more localized supply chain.

Jeff is a member and supporter of the Craft Maltsters Guild, Virginia Grain Producers Association, Common Grain Alliance, the Master Brewers Association of the America’s, and was recently appointed by Gov. Ralph Northam to the Virginia Spirits Board. He was recently invited to serve as an adjunct lecturer for the University of Richmond’s (UR) School of Professional and Continuing Studies Craft Brewing Certification course, as well as UR’s Virginia Brewing Development Council, bringing together leaders in Virginia’s agriculture, workforce development, and brewing communities to plot a course towards a more integrated supply chain by way of certification-based education, improved infrastructure, and effective promotion of Virginia-made ingredients.