Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a workshop on April 14 that focuses on cultivating successful hop production practices.
The event will take place at the Hansen Agriculture Learning Center (2508 Mortensen Road) in Ames. It will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and includes a full day of information and peer-to-peer mentoring, lunch and snacks, copies of all material covered by experts and mileage reimbursement.
An all-expense paid trip to tour Michigan hop yards is also part of the program. The hop yard tour in Michigan will take place in August.
The workshop will be led by Erin Hodgson, associate professor and extension entomologist, and Diana Cochran, assistant professor and extension fruit specialist at Iowa State.
“This course starts at ground zero, beginning with an introduction to hops and how to get established before moving through the different aspects of crop management,” Cochran said. “We want to work hand-in-hand with growers to provide information they need to produce a healthy product.”
In addition to Hodgson and Cochran, speakers will work to educate both transitioning and newly transitioned hop growers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Heather Darby, University of Vermont; Connie Fisk, Cornell University; and Dan Wiesen, Empire Hop Farm; will serve as instructors.
Topics will include hop production and management, food safety, pest management and harvesting.
Cost of the workshop is $500 per person, but $250 if not making the trip to Michigan.
Complete registration online.
