As one of the most ancient cereal grains, barley has been a component in the advancement of human civilization. Today barley has evolved into many roles in the diets of humans and livestock.
Biblical references mention barley's dietary use in long-ago cultures.
Conquerors and explorers alike, such as the Romans and Christopher Columbus, used barley during their expeditions. It was Columbus who introduced barley to America. Through the centuries, barley has flourished and found a place in the heart of North America. Barley also is big business and is the fourth largest crop produced in the world, after wheat, rice and corn. The United States was third in world production at 374 million bushels in 1997.