With the decline in tobacco income, producers in Woodford County have been looking for alternative farm enterprises to increase profitability. One crop that has gained some attention is barley for the booming brewing industry. In 2014, the Woodford County Extension Service helped establish various varieties of barley with a cooperating producer. By working closely with the producer using university recommendations, over the last 2 years this producer has been able to increase his profitability per acre by 220% by producing a higher quality barley for brewing.

This producer has further expanded his marketing by opening a unique farm to table restaurant and brewery to market not only his barley that he has successfully been growing, but his other beef and vegetable products as well.  This venture has also provided a market for 12 other growers in the community for produce, beef, and pork.