Building a NC Beer Economy

Hops is an emerging crop in NC and has great interest in WNC. Last August, NC Cooperative Extension in WNC held a tour of two hops yards in Buncombe County and in November we also held an informational meeting on hops production.

Recently, I ran across a post on Twitter that read "Building a NC Beer Economy". Of course, I had to bite and follow a link to read more about this topic. The link took me to a blog I had never heard of on fullsteam.ag . The post was about a specialist at NCSU, Rob Austin, and his interest and insight into possiblity of a hops industry in NC. To view the post and great video, visit the following link: Planting Hops at NC State

There will be another educational opportunity for folks interested in growing hops. "Hops - A Cultivation Seminar for the Perspective, Beginner and Intermediate Grower" will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday (April 6 and 7) at AB Tech, Enka Campus.

Here is a description of the class:
Learn about successful business and cultivation strategies in the developing hops industry. You will explore issues from economics to integrated pest and disease management and gain insights and resources to further your business idea. Day one topics will include Economics of the Hop Yard, Pest Management and Disease Control and Nutrient Management Programs. On day two we will provide you with a simple step-by-step guide to the seasonal processes of hop cultivation followed by the unique perspective of a local brewer addressing the industries processes, quality needs and concerns. Following the close of class there will be an optional brewery tour on Tuesday, April 7th from 3:30PM-5:00PM.

Preregistration is currently open for the class. To read more, visit the Eastern Hops Guild Blog.

I hope to see you there!