In the News
Maine’s grain economy continues to draw attention from journalists, food writers, bakers, farmers, and regional food-system leaders. Below are recent stories and features about the Maine Grain Alliance, the Kneading Conference, the Maine Artisan Bread Fair, Maine Grains, and the broader movement to rebuild regional grain economies from earth to table.
Recent Coverage
Portland Press Herald
19th annual Kneading Conference set for July in Skowhegan — June 2026
A preview of the 19th annual Kneading Conference, highlighting the move to downtown Skowhegan, the 2026 presenter lineup, and the conference’s continued role in bringing together bakers, grain growers, millers, maltsters, brewers, and food-system leaders.
Wordloaf
Hey nineteen — June 2026
Bread writer Andrew Janjigian previews the 2026 Kneading Conference and reflects on the Maine Grain Alliance’s long-standing influence in the regional grain movement.
WGME
Grain and bread lovers set to descend on Skowhegan for Kneading Conference — May 2026
A television segment featuring Tristan Noyes and the Maine Grain Alliance, previewing the Kneading Conference and its first year taking place in downtown Skowhegan.
Bangor Daily News
Maine Artisan Bread Fair returns — July 2025
A preview of the Maine Artisan Bread Fair, highlighting the event’s role as a summer gathering for bakers, millers, grain growers, food artisans, families, and bread lovers from across New England.
Maine Course by Sodexo
Helping to Revive Maine’s Grain Economy: Maine Course & Maine Grain Alliance Partner in Flavor and Impact — 2025
A report on Maine Course’s partnership with the Maine Grain Alliance to increase local grain purchasing, educate students, and strengthen regional agriculture through institutional food service.
WABI TV5
Battle of the Chefs brings educational spin on Maine-grown grains — February 2025
A feature on a Maine-grown grain cooking competition created through a collaboration between Maine Course, Sodexo, the University of Maine, and the Maine Grain Alliance.
Edible Maine
Grinding Toward Greatness
A feature on Maine Grains’ expansion into value-added grain products and the larger impact of regional grain infrastructure on farmers, schools, institutions, and local food resilience.
Yankee Magazine / Weekends with Yankee
Skowhegan, Maine — September 2024
A beautifully produced video feature on Skowhegan’s grain revival, including local farms, Maine Grains, bakeries, and the Kneading Conference. The piece highlights how Skowhegan has become a year-round baking destination and a center of New England’s regional grain movement.
Bangor Daily News
Maine grains are in demand for beers and artisanal breads — August 2024
A feature on Maine farmers, grain growers, and the growing markets for locally grown grains in breads, beer, tofu, tempeh, and other food products.
WABI TV5
Kneading Festival brings in people from all over the nation — July 2024
A television feature from the Kneading Conference in Skowhegan, where farmers, bakers, millers, maltsters, grain researchers, and grain enthusiasts gathered to learn, share, and connect.
Notable Past Coverage
Maine Public Radio
Climate change impacts farmers and global supply chains. Maine’s growing grain economy could help — April 2022
Mainebiz
Going With The Grain: Central Maine’s grain economy is expanding across the state — July 2021
Edible Maine
Maine Grains Rise to the Occasion — December 2019
WBUR / NPR
Back To The Grind Stone: A Grain Revival Rises In New England — September 2019
Portland Press Herald
The Farmer: Maine Grain Alliance has “changed the face of bread and baking” — March 2018
Bread Magazine
Growing grain to make bread — November 2018
Civil Eats
Maine Is Scaling Up its Local Grain Economy — November 2018