The Michigan Craft Beverage Council, which is advisory to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, is comprised of 10 governor-appointed licensee types. There are currently three vacancies:

• A seat representing micro brewers or brewers license holders
• A seat representing producers of beverages that contain less than 0.5% alcohol, contain no cannabinoids or psychoactive agents, and are marketed as non-alcoholic beer, wine, or spirits.
• A seat representing small distillers

Interested persons are encouraged to apply through Governor Whitmer’s appointments page for boards and commissions.

Questions related to serving on the Michigan Craft Beverage Council can be directed to Jenelle Jagmin, director of the Council at jagminj@michigan.gov.

Calling all farm advisors and technical assistant support roles! A collective of four Midwest grain-focused farming groups has created three online training modules to enhance your understanding of how to grow, handle and process food grade grains. Modules were developed based on feedback from focus groups made up of farm advisors and TAs - this is what you all asked for! Each module takes about 20 minutes to complete and the first five folks to finish all three modules will receive a prize.

Take the modules here or email julie@michiganagadvancement.org with any questions. This program is coordinated by Michigan Agricultural Advancement,  OGRAIN from UW-Madison, Artisan Grain Collaborative and the Michael Fields Ag Institute, and is funded by the NCR-SARE program.

This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP), hosted annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This event has grown to include a week of activities, including a cider festival and the opportunity for aspiring pommeliers to earn certification. These events also provide excellent medaling opportunities for Michigan cider producers and volunteer experiences for industry members.

Upcoming events include:

• GLINTCAP Registration Deadline - April 19

Participating ciders need to be registered through website by April 19.  Packages shipped need to arrive at Vander Mill by April 29.  Register Now!

• Grand Rapids Cider Week - May 8-16

Come and experience all that Grand Rapids Cider Week has to offer.  If you would like to participate, we would be happy to add your event to our calendar.  Email Jeff for more information.  Cider Week GR webpage.

• Certified Pommelier Exam - May 13, 9 am

The American Cider Association is offering the Certified Pommelier Exam during GLINTCAP 2026. Click here for more information

• GLINTCAP 20th Anniversary - May 13-16, 2026 You won’t want to miss out on this huge milestone celebration of the world’s largest cider competition! Now is the perfect time to start planning your entries and consider which team members you’ll be sending to judge or steward.  Click here to register or volunteer.

• Grand Rapids Cider Festival - May 16, 2026 3pm - 7pm Come and celebrate Michigan cider at this festival in Rosa Parks Circle.  If you want to pour, please contact .  Ticket information coming soon.

A major achievement in the craft malt industry is bringing well-deserved attention to Michigan! 

Larry Judge of Mitten State Malt recently earned a Silver Medal in the Pilsner category at the prestigious Malt Cup, an annual competition hosted by the Craft Malt Guild. This worldwide event brings together top malt producers from around the globe, recognizing those who’s craftsmanship and dedication truly stand out.  

Competing against 20 entries in the Pilsner barley malt category, Larry’s work stood out among the best – an impressive accomplishment in a competitive field. After entering his malt into the competition multiple times without placing, this win makes the recognition even more meaningful. This award also marks a historic milestone for Michigan’s craft malt community, representing the first Malt Cup award earned by a Michigan-based malthouse.  

Larry founded Mitten State Malt in 2014, and after a few years of trial and error, began producing and selling high-quality malt to breweries and distilleries across Michigan. His commitment to continuous improvement and quality is reflected both in his malt and recent award.  

With an expansion project now underway, Mitten State Malt is continuing its growth with plans to move into a larger facility in Mason, Michigan by next fall.  

Congratulations to Larry on this well-deserved recognition!