Brewing Beer from Rice in Princeton
By Steve Beckley
Bill Weller farms in Glenn County, currently producing rice, almonds, walnuts, and wheat. Their family farm has been in operation since the 1800s.
Like many farmers, Bill was looking for opportunities to add value to the products that he produces and has started Farmers Brewing Company. Home brewing started as a casual hobby, and he has now expanded it into a viable business. He’s joined by his wife, Kristin, in producing this “Farm to Glass” product using farm-grown rice, barley and wheat.
I went up to Princeton, expecting to find a farmer brewing beer in a vacant space in the equipment yard or shop. Instead, I found an individual committed to producing great beers that are sold at many restaurants and other establishments in the Sacramento Valley. When I toured the current brewery and the farm with Bill, he was excited that Glenn County has approved the site plan for a 20-barrel brewery. Construction on the new brewery will start soon, once all permits are in place.
In the spirit of additional research, I dropped by the Tap Room at Colusa Made where Bill and Kristin were pouring their beer. It was evident that everybody was enjoying this local product. Bill took time to visit with many of the individuals enjoying the beer, including a few local farmers.
If you want meet some great people, see some great country, waterfowl and fill your growlers, the brewery will be having a growler fill day on October 20, information is at farmersbrewing.com/news.
To learn more about Bill, his family, farm and beer more information is at farmersbrewing.com, which also has links to their other social media pages.
I know when I stop at some of my Sacramento Valley restaurants and watering holes, I’ll be ordering a beer from Farmers Brewing Co. It’s always good to know the farmer and brewer that made your beer.
Steve Beckley was born in Colusa, raised in Grimes and has a great passion for the Sacramento Valley. He graduated from Pierce High School in Arbuckle and Chico State University before embarking on a long career in agriculture.