MICHIGAN SENATE
Senate Resolution No. 63
Offered by Senators Victory, Chang, Cherry and Santana
A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE
JUNE 23, 2023, AS “ROSEN RYE DAY”
WHEREAS, Michigan’s food and agriculture system is a major contributor to income and
employment in the state’s economy, accounting for over $100 billion in direct, indirect, and
induced economic activity and over 800,000 jobs; and
WHEREAS, Since its admission to the union in 1837, Michigan has been an important
producer of cereal grains including wheat, corn, and rye. In 1909, a new rye varietal was
brought to Michigan Agricultural College (MAC) from Russia by Joseph Rosen and subsequently
cleaned, selected, and propagated by Professor Frank Spragg; and
WHEREAS, It was determined conclusively that Rosen Rye vastly outperformed common
varietals and that its cultivation become a priority for Michigan’s agricultural community; and
WHEREAS, Beginning in 1917, significant exports of “Certified” Rosen Rye seeded around
the world, notably to major whiskey-producing regions of the United States. By 1920, Michigan
was the nation’s largest producer of rye; and
WHEREAS, It became apparent that, despite universal acclaim, Rosen Rye crops diminished
in quality from year to year due to cross-pollination from contact with common rye. A decisive
action needed to be taken to isolate the finest seed-stock and protect the innovations and
investment of Michigan’s agricultural community. In turn, a survey was formed to determine
suitable, isolated areas and South Manitou Island was found to be ideal; and
WHEREAS, George and Louis Hutzler, along with Irvin Beck, led all seven farms on South
Manitou Island and formed a mutual pact, swearing under penalty of drowning, to grow only
Rosen Rye to protect its genetic purity. Over the following decade, they earned numerous
international awards for “Certified” Rosen Rye, garnering the farmers the moniker “Rye Kings”
and Manitou Island as the “World’s Rye Center”; and
WHEREAS, Between the dawn of Prohibition, and the 1960s when the last farmers left
South Manitou Island, Michigan Rosen Rye was venerated in whiskey advertisements, extolled
in internal distillery production manuals, and raised to legendary status in bootlegging
folklore, before completely disappearing from the market for 50 years; and
WHEREAS, Under permit from the National Park Service, using seeds from the United States
Department of Agriculture Seed Bank, along with assistance from Michigan State University’s
Department of Bio Ag Research and volunteer descendants of the Hutzler and Beck families,
Mammoth Distilling has revived these historic farms to reintroduce “Certified” Rosen Rye;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the members of this legislative body recognize
June 23, 2023, as “Rosen Rye Day”; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we recognize the critical role of native grains and locally grown agriculture
to the success of the craft spirits industry in Michigan.
Adopted by the Senate, June 27, 2023.
Secretary of the Senate