Last week over 300 people from seven countries and 23 states came to the seventh annual Great Grains Gathering. Bakers, brewers, millers, researchers, scientists, home and backyard varieties of the above, and at least one La Conner organic farmer came, to learn, admire, copy and take home techniques, tips, samples and business cards.

Washington State University’s bread lab team is breeding and harvesting its vision of turning the Skagit Valley’s barley and wheat crops into high demand flours, malts and whiskey feedstocks sought for their flavor and quality.

For some, the emphasis is bey...