Don Nygaard, a third-generation farmer, highlights that the ongoing slump in beer consumption has forced him to abandon malt barley for less profitable food-grade crops.
"The exploding popularity of hard seltzers and lower alcohol consumption in general have led to plummeting barley demand from beer makers," explained industry experts.
"Multiple years of excellent barley crops have further depressed prices and taken away a once high-value option in a year where farmers are struggling to break even with any crops," stated farmers.
While traditional beer giants maintain they are committed to local farmers, changing consumer trends indicate a significant shift away from beer toward alternatives like hard seltzers.
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