Hordeum vulgare L.
Poaceae (grass family)
Location: Small grains
Origin: Near East
Biophysical Requirements: Barley is the most dependable cereal under conditions of drought, salinity, or summer frosts. It is grown in temperate regions and thrives in a cool climate. In the USA, barley is produced mainly in the western region surrounding Montana.
Food Uses: More than half of the USA crop is used for feed; some is used for food, and about one fourth of the crop is used for making malt for the production of beer.
See also Purdue University new crops website.