Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a versatile, low-input grain which is grown as a part of diverse western Washington cropping systems. Due to the generally high rainfall and moderate temperatures in western Washington, yields of small grains such as barley can be substantially higher than those grown under dryland conditions in eastern Washington. In western Washington, small grains are beneficial as rotational crops in that they can break disease and pest cycles, be used as a transition crop during pasture renovation, and rest the soil between the more intensive cash crops such as bulbs and tubers. A local grain economy, where processors use regionally grown grains, can help farmers in western Washington market barley at a higher price. Barley is a versatile grain that can be used for animal feed, human food, and to produce malt for beer and whiskey. This publication addresses general variety selection, marketing, production, and pest management information for barley grown in western Washington
