Here's a write up about a new addition to the E. Wa/N. Id beer scene: a local, microbeer-friendly maltster: http://www.spokane7.com/blog/2016/feb/10/pints-palouse/
Awesome! Skagit Valley Malters in Burlington is seeing more of their stuff being used around here. They've got a unique system, and they are adding more equipment to get more malt out to brewers. They're working with local farmers, and WSU's extension (which is a separate interesting story), to develop strains of barley suited to growing in Skagit.
I really found it interesting in the article that I posted above that the majority of malted barley sold to breweries has been geared more toward the big boys, with higher amounts of protein to offset the adjuncts they use. At some point I gotta try and corner one of my friends that professionally brew to explain more how that works.
Mecca Grade Estate Malts in Madras is another local maltster with a cool story: http://www.meccagrade.com/
