MSU Supports Biden’s Build Back Better Campaign, One Grain At A Time

PSM’s Amanda Noble, research assistant in the Wheat Breeding and Genetics Program, is featured in a new Biden Administration “Build Back Better” campaign video available on YouTube. Noble appears at minute 1:26 hoisting a sack of Rosen Rye—a historic grain restored through a collaboration with Mammoth Distilling and MSU AgBioResearch to create a unique locally sourced rye whiskey.

PSM's Amanda Noble works with Mammoth Distilling to (re)produce Rosen Rye, a historic grain.

“There is great value in these historic varieties – bringing the history of Rosen Rye at MSU back in the spotlight while supporting Michigan businesses,” Noble says. “This has been an amazing opportunity – working with Mammoth Distilling to produce this product.”

Mammoth Distilling brought the idea to the MSU Wheat program, who obtained seed from the USDA-ARS National Small Grains Collection, then increased seed in the greenhouse, followed by a larger grow-out in the field. Seed amounts were increased from 100 seeds to over 500lbs in 2 years. This field season the Rosen rye grown at the MSU Mason Research Farm will be certified by the Michigan Crop Improvement Association.

”The playbook we followed for Rosen was the same as we used for the Spartan barley and Russ's revival beer a few years ago,” says Eric Olson, MSU Wheat Program manager, who welcomes this type of interactions with Michigan producers. “My goals are to support small grains in Michigan in every way possible.”