Once the mill was on it’s way and we would shortly need bread I panicked. I placed a large bulk order for various grains with http://www.BobsRedMill.com. And then once I completed the order I had buyer’s remorse. Everything was being shipped to me from just outside of Portland, OR which was sort of local but I had no idea where the grains were grown. At least they were organic. And inexpensive!
I got 25 pounds of red winter wheat for bread, 25 pounds of soft winter wheat for muffins and pancakes, 8 pounds of white wheat berries that we use in pizza dough (http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/001506.html is the recipe we use and the best whole wheat recipe we’ve found) and some barley and rye.
I’ve since emailed WSU for a list of farmer’s in WA state that sell grain. Nash’s Organic Produce (http://www.nashsorganicproduce.com/) has soft white winter wheat berries, Nash’s tricale (a cross between wheat & rye), rye and oatmeal with hulls. Bluebird (http://www.bluebirdgrainfarms.com/products.html) has farro (aka emmer), rye, hard and soft winter wheat. Lentz has spelt and farro (emmer) (http://www.lentzspelt.com/.) You can either order directly online or via email and then pickup your order at a farmer’s market in Nash’s case. You can also go the the Food Alliance website (http://www.foodalliance.org/information-for/for-consumers) and search for other grain farmers.
I haven’t seen local barley yet but I’m sure I could find it now that I have the resources in place. I’m still looking for corn and I’ll probably give it it’s own post once I find it since I know nothing about dried corn. If you know a popcorn farmer please send him my way!
Update: I’ve since found both popcorn & dent corn through Azure Standard and barley and rye and tritacale from Nash’s at the UW farmer’s market.
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Thank you so much for this, I’ve been trying to find local or WA grains. Do you still purchase from these growers? Any advice?
Hi Anndelise – I purchase from Lentz spelt and Bluebird Grains all the time. When we order (esp from Bluebird) as a group we get the wholesale price which makes it more affodable than just buying from them via PCC.
I’ve been getting corn from http://www.azurestandard.com but have not yet found local oats – although I have a lead. Nash grew oats but the seed mildewed last winter so theyhad to save everything for 2010 crop. Maybe next year.