Birko Works with Breweries to Promote Safety

By Steve Graham

Cleanliness is next to godliness.

It’s the unspoken motto of the brewing industry. In a few years of interviewing brewers and brewery owners for Thirst Colorado, I’ve probably heard more about using clean equipment and processes than about the right beer recipes, methods or marketing.

So, it may seem like very “inside baseball” industry news, but it’s actually good to report that an expert in brewing sanitation joined a leadership council for Colorado State University.

Kelly Green is the president of Birko, a Henderson-based company with three generations of experience in food safety and brewing sanitation. She was recently selected for the CSU AgIndustry Leadership Council.

“Kelly’s deep understanding of the food safety and agricultural industry will add a valuable fresh perspective,” Birko CEO Mark Swanson said. “Her expertise and strong leadership experience make her an exceptional addition to the council.”

The council is made up of industry experts who advise and guide the CSU College of Agricultural Sciences and promote the school globally.

Birko, founded in 1953, works with many breweries that have medaled at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver and at the World Beer Cup in Nashville.

Green is a CSU graduate, and she has previously served on the North American Meat Association board of directors.