The problem: Kentucky farmers grew rye 150 years ago in Kentucky but have not grown it on any large acreage the last 50 years. Several researchers are conduting studies on rye with support form the Kentucky Small Grain Growers. To accelerate our learning, four farmers agreed to grow cereal rye on their farms and share production information, yield and grain quality. Three of the farms grew 25 acres and the fourth grew 20 acres. Two of the four were guaranteed revenue equivalent to 25 acres, 70 bushels per acre and about $7.00 per bushel. The other two self-funded their risks. Contributed moneys for the project were put into a U.K. account and the two sponsored farmers will be paid from that account. Sales from their rye will be used to replenish the account. DendriFund and Brown Family are contributing to the effort. We are trying to encourage other distilleries to contribute as well. Woodford Reserve has agreed to purchase 250 bushels from each farmer, run separate distillations and report the results to the group and greater distilling industry. We already know that Kentucky rye provides a different flavor than rye from Europe or Canada. We will learn whether farms in different areas of Kentucky provide different flavor profiles to rye. Initial Outcome: Collaboration between rye purchasers and rye producers and the University of Kentucky as we try to learn how to make rye for grain a profitable option for growers and a reliable source for distilleries.