A Message from CGA Executive Director Madelyn Smith
Dear Common Grain Alliance community,
As temperatures warm across our region, our region’s grain farmers are preparing to harvest winter grain crops planted late last fall, and seed summer grains into warming soils. With CGA’s annual conference now behind us, we are shifting our focus to continue building regional grain value chain connections through field days and meet-ups in the remainder of 2025. I'm particularly excited about a series of organic agriculture field days we are organizing with the Virginia Association of Biological Farming with support from the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP recently published their national impact report highlighting the program's achievements and ongoing work to support organic transitions, including for regional grain in multiple geographies. Read on to view and register for our upcoming gatherings in Virginia and D.C.
At the same time, we are balancing the concerning news that federal funding for programs that support vibrant and regenerative regional grain economies is under threat. Last month, USDA cancelled $1 billion in funding for the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program, which helps local schools and food banks purchase local foods, including local grains from regional farms and mills. Additionally, federal funding for ongoing research at Washington State University's Bread Lab was recently paused indefinitely. The WSU Bread Lab is a true pioneer in the regional grain movement — a breeding program that places nutrition and sustainability at the center of developing new grain varieties. I encourage you to consider donating to support WSU Bread Lab’s vital work as well as any other nonprofits (such as CGA) whose work you hope to see persist through these challenging times.
On a more optimistic note, I'd like to highlight an exciting opportunity with our friends at the Ohio Valley Grain Exchange (OVGE), who are hiring a founding Manager to help chart the future of their organization. OVGE, based in Kentucky, is an alliance of farmers, millers, bakers, maltsters, brewers, distillers, and researchers working to rebuild a vibrant regional grain economy in the Ohio Valley. Please share the job description far and wide and help them find a great leader to take them into their next chapter.
The continued federal funding freezes and other actions by the Trump Administration are putting significant pressure on both individual farms and agricultural support organizations like ours. Now more than ever, we need to band together and leverage our collective resources and knowledge. The conference clearly demonstrated that when we unite, we can develop creative solutions to even the most persistent challenges.
Now is a great time to put our feet in the soil, root down, gather with our communities, and get stronger, together. I hope to see many of you at our field days and regional CGA meet ups in the coming months!
With gratitude for all you do,
Madelyn Smith
We’re excited to announce several upcoming CGA events in our region!
Spirited Grains Whiskey Tasting on May 17: CGA will have a table at this exciting event at Colvin Run Mill in Fairfax, Virginia, where attendees can explore the 19th century gristmill, learn about the distilling process and taste local spirits from Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery. Tickets are $45 for a two hour session, purchased at the door, and attendees must be 21 years or older. Find out more details here!
Baker Meet-Up at SEYLOU Bakery & Mill on May 19: Hosted by CGA members Jonathan Bethony of SEYLOU and serious home baker Mark Woodward, this meet-up is themed around natural leavening and the different ways to leaven bread beyond the traditional sourdough starter. If you would like to return home with some of SEYLOU’s sourdough starter, please bring a small jar for transportation. Spots are limited! Register here to secure your place.
Field Day at Grapewood Farm - Regenerative Organic Grain Production & Processing on May 29: Grapewood Farm, Common Grain Alliance and the Virginia Association of Biological Farming are co-hosting a field day focused on the viability of regenerative and organic grain growing. Hear from Fred Sachs about Grapewood Farm’s organic grain farming practices, see the grain cleaning equipment and mill, and hear his valuable insights for farmers interested in organic production. Light refreshments and an opportunity to network and fellowship with other farmers will follow the presentation. Register here!
Field Day at Living Energy Farm - Explore Small-Scale Organic Grain Farming Equipment & Renewable Energy Solutions on June 29: Living Energy Farm (LEF), Common Grain Alliance, and Virginia Association of Biological Farming are co-hosting a field day focused on small-scale organic grain harvesting and sustainable energy solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch a live demonstration of this prototype, see LEF’s grain cleaning and milling setup, and discuss small- scale grain equipment solutions with fellow farmers and millers. The event will also feature a tour of LEF’s energy facilities, highlighting their innovative approach to making renewable energy accessible and affordable. Register here!
Did you miss a session at this year’s Mid-Atlantic Grain Conference or weren’t able to attend? All audio recordings of the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Grain Conference are now available to listen to online in the CGA Member Portal. This benefit is exclusively available for CGA members, however three conference recordings — “The State of Organic Grain Markets”, “Growing Grain for Malting: Truth, Lies and Considerations for Diversification” and “Nosing and Tasting Masterclass: Discovering the Flavors of Virginia’s Grains in Spirits” can be found on our YouTube channel.
Not a CGA member yet? Access the full video library by signing up to become a member today!
Common Grain Alliance is a network of 190+ grain farmers, processors, grain artists, and grain enthusiasts. Read about two of our new CGA members below, and check out our full CGA Membership Directory to locate members near you.
Located in Chantilly, Virginia, Kaze Grain House offers a variety of sprouted and freshly milled flour made with grain sourced directly from local farmers. Owner Jing Tan credits their appreciation for high quality and craftsmanship from memories of making homemade soy milk and sharing it with their neighborhood. Shop for their products such as Sungold Spelt Flour and Danko Rye Berries here.
Jolly's Mill Pond is a 200 year-old, tree farm and pond in Williamsburg, Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. In spring 2023, co-owners Bill and Angi Kane began farming organically and this year, opened the first CSA in the farm’s history, featuring salad greens, sweet potatoes, culinary herbs and more! Read more about its rich history and plan a visit here.
These whole wheat biscuits are flaky, delicious and pair beautifully with fresh whipped cream and seasonal strawberries. Prep the biscuits, strawberries and whipped cream ahead of time for a delicious warm-weather dessert you can assemble in minutes!
Ingredients:
2 cups whole-wheat flour (or whole-wheat pastry flour)
4 teaspoons baking powder
Strawberries
½ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter (cold, unsalted)
1 cup milk (any kind)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsps confectioners’ sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Combine dry ingredients.
Cut the ½ stick butter into little pea sized pieces and then mix the pieces into the flour mixture until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add milk and combine. Hand knead dough for 8 to 10 minutes (do not over knead) then turn out onto a floured surface.
Using a drinking class or cookie cutter, cut out biscuit rounds.
Place biscuits onto ungreased baking sheet or cast iron skillet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy! (Biscuits can be made a few hours ahead of assembling shortcake)
ASSEMBLE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE: When time to serve, layer with sliced strawberries and whipped cream. To make homemade whipped cream, combine one cup cold heavy or whipping cream, two tablespoons of sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract into an electric mixer. Whisk until medium peaks form — make sure to not over-whisk or it will curdle!
Source flour from a CGA member near you by visiting our Shop Mid-Atlantic Grains webpage!
