Network with Illinois wheat growers!

Riggs Beer Company and the Small Grains Improvement Program at University of Illinois are teaming up for their first Field Festival. The event is open to current and curious wheat and barley growers, maltsters, homebrewers, and members of the public to tour wheat and barley test plots and learn more about the crops that give beer its distinctive flavor.

Attendees to the free, family-friendly event can sample each varietal with a “hot steep” malt tasting. Riggs beers will also be available for purchase, and food trucks will offer special small grains-inspired dinner menus.

Riggs uses University of Illinois-bred wheat and corn in many of its beers, but their primary barley source was developed at Virginia Tech. The small grains breeder at Virginia Tech, Nicholas Santantonio, will be on hand to explain the process and answer questions.

When farmers add small grains like wheat or barley to corn-soy rotations, they help maintain soil health and water quality. In many parts of the state, small grains can also help improve farm income and income stability.

Upcoming Events

More events are planned throughout the season, including a small-grains field day on the Urbana campus’ South Farms. Find more information and register on the Small Grains Improvement website.