Great malt begins with exceptional growers.

At Great Lakes Malting Company, our story starts in Michigan fields. We carefully select our partner farms based on their expertise, commitment to quality, and shared values. Together, we’re growing exceptional grain while strengthening the future of Michigan agriculture.

Every bushel of grain we source has a story—from the farmer who planted it, to the field where it was grown, to the malt house where it was transformed. This direct connection allows us to create malt with authentic regional character and gives brewers and distillers a meaningful way to connect their beverages back to Michigan.

Many of our partner farms incorporate conservation-focused and regenerative growing practices that support soil health, improve crop resilience, and promote long-term stewardship of the land.

By working directly with Michigan growers, we provide a level of transparency and traceability that larger suppliers can’t replicate. The result is more than an ingredient—it’s premium Michigan malt that carries the character of our region and helps craft beverages with a story worth sharing.

From Michigan farms to every pint and pour, we’re creating Malt That Matters.

Meet our Farming Partner: Sklarczyk Seed Farm

Ben & Alison Sklarczyk | Johannesburg, Michigan

Growing Michigan Grain

Located in Johannesburg, Michigan, Sklarczyk Seed Farm (SSF) is a third-generation family farm dedicated to growing high-quality crops while caring for the land for generations to come. Today, SSF partners with Great Lakes Malting Company to grow malting barley and spring oats that become premium Michigan-made malt for brewers and distillers across the Midwest.

After growing up on the family farm, Ben Sklarczyk originally planned to pursue engineering before realizing his passion belonged in agriculture. After earning his degree in Agricultural Business from Michigan State University, he returned home to continue building the family farm alongside his wife, Alison.

Farming with Soil Health in Mind

SSF follows a four-year crop rotation that allows malting barley and spring oats to play an important role in maintaining healthy soils. Following harvest, cover crops are planted to keep living roots in the ground, supporting soil biology and improving long-term soil health.

Across the farm’s 2,000 acres, precision agriculture practices—including grid soil sampling, GPS-guided equipment, targeted nutrient applications, and minimum tillage—help improve efficiency while protecting soil structure and reducing unnecessary inputs.

Growing Grain That Matters

For Ben, farming is about more than growing crops—it’s about improving the land, embracing innovation, and producing ingredients that support local communities.

“My biggest enjoyment in farming is that we are a part of feeding the world.  We can feel the dirt in our hands and be outside in the fresh air every day. I can see the rapid growth of the plants each year.  Being able to plant tiny seeds that turn into tall plants is an amazing experience each season.  I am able to share this pleasure with my wife Alison and our two kids as well.”

Through their partnership with Great Lakes Malting Company, SSF is helping strengthen Michigan agriculture while providing brewers and distillers with locally grown grain that brings authentic Great Lakes character to every batch.

When he’s not in the field, Ben enjoys a Locals Light in the summer or a Belaire Brown as the weather cools. Beyond the farm, he also plays a leadership role in Michigan agriculture and serves as the 2026 President of the National Potato Council.

Meet our Farming Partner: L&M Farms

Todd & Carolyn DeKryger | Fremont, Michigan

Growing Michigan Grain

Located in Fremont, Michigan, L&M Farms is a family-owned operation dedicated to growing high-quality grains while caring for the land for future generations. Today, the farm partners with Great Lakes Malting Company to produce malting barley, oats, spelt, wheat, and rye—grains that become premium Michigan-made malt for brewers and distillers across the Midwest.

Established in 1975 by Todd’s parents, L&M Farms originally focused on corn and soybean production. After taking over the farm in 2015, Todd and Carolyn expanded the operation into a more diverse cropping system designed to improve soil health, strengthen resilience, and produce exceptional grains. Today, the farm also grows chestnuts and non-GMO soybeans alongside its small grains.

Farming with Soil Health in Mind

Diverse crop rotations are at the heart of L&M Farms’ approach to agriculture. By growing multiple grain varieties, they improve soil health, encourage biodiversity, and create healthier fields for future generations.

Their commitment to stewardship also includes conservation-focused practices such as no-till farming, cover crops, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) scouting, and biodiversity habitats that help support healthy soils, reduce erosion, and create a thriving farm ecosystem.

Growing Grain That Matters

For Todd, one of the most rewarding parts of farming is witnessing each season’s transformation—from the first signs of emergence in the spring to harvesting the crops that will eventually become Michigan-made beer and spirits.

Through their partnership with Great Lakes Malting Company, L&M Farms is helping strengthen Michigan agriculture while providing brewers and distillers with locally grown grains that bring authentic Great Lakes character to every batch.

When he’s not working in the fields, Todd enjoys a classic Michigan wheat beer. He’s also a proud three-time graduate of Michigan State University. Go Green!