Specialty Grains Int'l (SGI) sources premium quality grains, legumes & forages grown in the Rocky Mountain highlands and on the Northern Great Plains of the Dakotas & Minnesota.  This fertile river valley extends into the prairie provinces of Canada. 

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Between the open prairies of North Dakota and the forested lake country of northern Minnesota, lies the Red River Valley of the North - one of the most fertile farming regions on Earth.  The north flowing river valley is 550 miles long and widens from 10 to 50 miles before entering Manitoba and emptying into Lake Winnipeg and then on to Hudson Bay. The valley has some of the world's richest topsoil of organic black loam formed by glacial sediment deposits left from ancient Lake Agassiz.  Average annual rainfall of 28 inches is produced from the convergence of cool dry Canadian and humid Gulf air masses.  The valley grows a wide variety of crops including red spring wheat, sugar beets, potatoes, sunflowers, corn, soy beans, lentils and some of the highest quality malting barley in the World.             

                                                                    Red River Valley Barley Growers MN/ND                                                                     SGI Processing Site - MN     

                                                                     SGI Barley Storage - MN

Although barley is grown in warmer southern regions for feed, the best conditions for growing quality fodder/sprouting malting barley is in northern climates. The 'cooler nights' allow ripening grain to recover during hot summer 'heat stress.'  This results in higher test weight and superior plump seed development during the 'flowering cycle.'

Barley is an ancient grain grown and documented since Biblical times. As barley protein is slightly lower compared to other cereal grains, protein is enhanced in the sprouting process.  Barley has one of the most explosive germ rates of all grains and is the preferred choice for fodder/sprouting.

                                                          Certificate of Analysis

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SGI also sources premium barley from another prime growing area in the irrigated fertile San Luis Valley of Colorado.  At 7,600 feet, it is the highest elevation and largest commercial agricultural valley in the world.  The arid San Luis Valley is expansive and flat varying from 20 to 50 miles in width and 100 miles long from north to south. The valley sits between the Sangre de Christo and San Juan mountain ranges in southern Colorado.  This fertile highland valley is renowned for malting barley, potatoes, alfalfa & wheat along with carrots, lettuce, broccoli, canola, and cauliflower.   

                                                                      San Luis Valley CO Barley Grower                                                                      SGI Processing Site - San Luis CO                                                                 SGI Barley Storage - So. Fork CO

                                                              The Best Growers in America
 

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DIY Seed Germination Test

Before ordering a large quantity of grain seed, always request a grain seed sample and have shipped directly to you.  Reputable grain dealers/sellers should also provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) of the grain quality including germ rate, test weight, protein & mycotoxins.  If a COA is not available, send the grain sample to a reputable grain testing lab for a complete analysis (see UVM Form above.)  While waiting for lab results you can do your own at-home germination test to get started.  (See below)

As an extra precaution, if lab results meet quality standards, request a large sample of at least 15 lbs. via USPS Flat Rate Box (about $23) and plant on your fodder system to experience your own test results.  If the seed sample performs to your satisfaction, you can now consider a purchase of larger amounts to save on freight costs.  This may all seem cumbersome but will save you time & expense in the long run.  Seed quality is the most important part of your fodder system and overall health of your animals.  

When dealing with a local feed store ask for a quart ziplock bag of grain seed and follow instructions below.  

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#1. Request a quart ziplock sample of the grain seed from all prospective grain dealers/sellers.  

#2. Count 100 seeds from the seed sample.

#3. In a glass, mix 50% water & 50% Hydrogen Peroxide from drug store.

#4. Soak (2) paper towels in the 50-50 solution and wring out some of the water so the paper towels are very wet but not saturated.

#5. Lay out (1) paper towel on a flat surface and place the 100 seeds in rows of a single layer so seeds are not touching each other.  Then place the second moisened paper towel over the first towel with the single layer of seeds.

#6. Carefully fold the paper towels 3 times keeping the seeds apart while folding. Spray additional water/peroxide on the folded paper towels so they are now more saturated but not dripping wet.

#7. Place the folded paper towels with the seeds in a ziplock bag and leave the ziplock bag open about 1/2 inch to vent.

#8. Place the vented ziplock bag with seeds in a warm place for (4) days.

#9. After (4) days, carefully unfold the paper towels and lay on flat surface.  Count the seeds that DID NOT germinate and subtract from 100.

You now have the ‘germ rate’.  The higher the better.  TEST-TEST-TEST.

The goal is to find & plant 95%+ high-germ grain on your trays for the best results in your fodder system. 

Seed Quality is the LIFEBLOOD of Fodder/Sprouting Systems!

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SGI coordinates all logistics between growers, producers & carriers.  For security purposes, buyer's funds are held in an independent escrow account to insure payment to growers & carriers.

SGI maintains rigorous standards of testing to insure that the highest quality grains are delivered to its fodder producers. All grain testing is done by third-party certified grain testing labs. (See Certificates of Analysis).       

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Grain is cleaned by a specially designed air-density grain cleaner to meet quality standards of 99.5%+ purity.

The Almaz Grain Cleaner is a patented cost effective and efficient grain cleaner for farmers, co-ops and seed dealers in the U.S.. 

                                                                            AlmazGrainCleaner.com                                                              ______________

Grain shipments are processed with 'Diatomaceous Earth' (DE) & trace minerals.  DE is added to grains to absorb moisture that can otherwise lead to clumping and caking. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) keeps grains dry and improves flow-ability, while creating an unfavorable environment for mold & bacterial growth.  DE is also well known as an effective 'bug exterminator'.                

                                                                                 DE-GrainAdditive.com                                                           

*** It is strongly recommended that all grains delivered to humid, high dew point climates be stored in climate controlled containers or structures to avoid grain moisture absorption which can adversely affect the germination energy and vigor of the seed for fodder systems.***

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** Customer Comments **

"I have tried other grain sources in my area with poor yields on my fodder system.  SGI puts me in contact with growers who grow the best quality I can find." M. Gingerich - TN

"I have been using organic barley sourced by SGI in my fodder system for nearly a year and have noticed my herd is more content and calm with increased milk production, butter fat and protein.  The milk has a milder sweeter taste right from the bulk tank." N. Gebhart - WI

"I was introduced to SGI over 8 years ago and have been very satisfied with growers introduced to me who provide quality grain." S. Huber - KY

"I have purchased barley from many sources for my Fodder System but "The Barley Guy" finds the best quality organic grains at the best price." A. Esh - PA

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