Farmers who grow oats, wheat, rye, barley, corn, and other grains are looking for ways to command better prices. But while many farmers dream of getting a share of the value that is added to their crop after it leaves the farm, only a few actually succeed. Those who do increase their profits through on-farm processing generally don’t get there quickly or easily (Kessler, 1989). Adding value requires doing more work, investing in additional supplies and equipment, possibly hiring more help, and definitely dealing with additional rules and regulations.
This guide provides examples of grain farmers who have gone into a variety of processing enterprises are just that: examples. They are presented not to suggest a specific blueprint but to give ideas about what can be done.