PROJECTS

Maintaining consistency in the production, processing, and marketing of barley requires continuous development and implementation of projects in a number of areas.  Following is a list of current projects in which the North Dakota Barley Council is providing leadership and support.

Crop Insurance

Enhancing crop insurance for malting barley is a key effort at the North Dakota Barley Council.  Council directors and staff are working with USDA Risk Management Agency to continue to refine insurance coverage for malting barley.  This requires ongoing communication with USDA-RMA, as well as the North Dakota Congressional Delegation in Washington, D. C.  In addition, the Council is working with private insurance developers to explore new insurance products for malt barley.

Trade

Through its affiliation with the U. S. Grains Council (USGC) in Washington, D. C., the North Dakota Barley Council develops international markets for feed barley and malting barley.  This requires developing market and education activities to assist domestic and foreign buyers in evaluating North Dakota barley for its utilization in malting, brewing, and livestock applications.  In addition to hosting trade teams from foreign countries, the Council participates in USGC marketing missions to Japan and other regions of the world.

Farm Policy

In order to assist in keeping barley agronomically viable and economically profitable for growers, it is essential to monitor farm policy and ascertain that barley is treated fairly.  The North Dakota Barley Council works closely with the National Barley Growers Association to guide farm policy on issues related to barley.

Ethanol

Historically, barley utilization in ethanol production has been limited.  Processors indicate that the abrasive nature of barley (which is due to silica content in the hull) causes excessive wear on handling equipment, and thus impacts the profitability of using barley in ethanol production.

Research being conducted at the USDA-ARS station in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania is revitalizing interest in barley utilization in ethanol.  Recognizing the unique processing requirements of barley, researchers are developing processing and extraction technologies to improve efficiency of barley utilization in ethanol.  The Council is just beginning to evaluate the potential for using North Dakota barley in ethanol.

Institute of Barley and Malt Science

The North Dakota Barley Council provides support to the Institute of Barley and Malt Science (IBMS) at North Dakota State University.  The IBMS is designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the production, processing, and marketing of barley.  Reliable, high quality, targeted research and education programs will be the foundation for the IBMS to assist U. S. barley producers and domestic and international malting and brewing industries at meeting their needs.