Bipartisan legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would establish a credit against the excise tax on beer for small brewers that donate spent grain for local agricultural use.
The Brews to Barns Act is meant to encourage a collaborative effort between small breweries and local farmers to strengthen local supply chains.
“It's a win-win for everyone," said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania), a co-chair of the House Small Brewers Caucus and co-sponsor of the bill.
Brewers often donate spent grain that is left after brewing beer to farmers, but that takes time and money.
“The Brews to Barns Act will provide key incentives to build upon that relationship, helping lower input costs for producers while supporting local small businesses,” said Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pennsylvania), another co-sponsor of the bill.
Rep. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a co-chair of the House Small Brewers Caucus and bill co-sponsor said this tax credit for donating spent grain will lower costs for small brewers, benefit local farmers and ranchers, and keep spent grain out of landfills.”
“This bill is a common-sense way to lower the cost of doing business, while supporting small brewers that boost our local economies,” she said.
According to data from 2025, approximately 5 million tons of brewers spent grains are produced in the U.S. annually. Brewers spent grains are rich in protein (27% to 33%) and acid detergent fiber (17% to 26%), which makes it a valuable feed ingredient especially suitable for ruminants fed concentrate-rich diets.
"When we finish brewing a batch of beer, there's still plenty of nutrients in the grain that farmers can use to feed their livestock," said Jason Lavery, co-founder, Lavery Brewing Company in Erie, Pennsylvania. "The Brews to Barns Act would provide meaningful tax relief that we could reinvest directly into our brewery, helping us support our employees, upgrade equipment and build a stronger business while continuing to support our local farmers.”
