At one time, Wisconsin was a major producer of barley, but over the years production shifted to other states — primarily Montana, Idaho and North Dakota — as more farmers here focused on corn and soybeans.

But state brewers using locally grown ingredients are on the rise. South Shore Brewery in Ashland, Wisconsin, and Central Waters Brewing Co. in Amherst, Wisconsin, both began contracting in 2009 with farmers in their respective areas for barley. The Careys at New Glarus started in 2014 buying locally grown barley while hop yards have been popping up across rural Wisconsin and even some urban areas, with the buds sold to some of the more than 130 craft breweries in the state.

Beach’s plan is unique in that he is the farmer and the owner of the brewing company. He approached his parents, Paul and Carolyn Beach, with the idea about three years ago. He then rented land from his parents and his grandparents, Duane and Rose Beach, for the project. The farm ended milking in 1955 but now has a 50-beef-cow herd, 195 acres of soy beans and 190 acres of corn.

“Everything changes. There’s nothing in agriculture that stays the same,” said Paul Beach, whose great-grandparents from England established the farm. “I’m very pleased to see that Jeremy has the interest.”