How to grow hops in CT. Once upon a time, hops were a viable crop for New England and New York farmers. And then suddenly, one year, mildews wiped out hop farming in the region. Today⎯they’re making a comeback!
The resurgence and boom of Connecticut craft beer breweries has created an opportunity for new and seasoned farmers alike, who seek to diversify their crops.
One man has a vision to resurrect hop growing in the state.
He’s a farmer first and foremost.
And secondly⎯A master home brewer.
Meet Alex DeFrancesco, a fourth generation farmer. The fifth generation is being raised now.
Let’s listen to what a seasoned farmer and home brewer says about hop growing in Connecticut. Alex?
Yes! The hop farming business was booming here back in the day! In the 1800’s, Connecticut farmers were able to produce enough to service local pubs.
And New York harvested a serious amount of acreage that was used to be shipped overseas. That was an exciting period for the farming community!
I got the idea as I started homebrewing, years ago.
Growing up as a farmer, I got the idea⎯Well, can we grow hops in Connecticut?
I did my research a couple of years ago. And then, I convinced my three older brothers to let me do a test yard.
“You can do a test yard,” they said. “On your own time, and⎯You’re not allowed to spend anything!”
So I wasn’t allowed to buy cables or anything like that, or the core wire. I had to jimmy-rig a test yard of fifty plants to show my brothers, and more so, my father, that they were going to grow. That we can do this!
I was also thinking that deer don’t like hops. And the yard might serve as a sound barrier to the other crop fields.
However, there is really no research that supports the success of hop yards as barriers to other fields. But I’m working with some of the local agricultural centers and universities to see if it’s an actual deterrent.
Those individuals, who are just getting into the farm business, may not have the edge of seasoned farmers. But that’s where the agricultural centers are helpful. They’re leading the research on hop growing in this area.
When any of us farmers have questions, we just give them a call, send pictures, and they’ll come down to check it out. And then, you can easily remedy whatever issues you might be having.
What I always tell people that are interested in how to grow hops in Connecticut, or just hops in general wherever you are, is to talk to your local breweries. This is the first step.
These are the people that you’re going to be working with when you harvest your crop. See what they want, and make a list of those varieties. Use that list as your main reference sheet.
Which ones have the least resistance to pests, mildews, and disease? They’re not immune to those things but this information will give you an edge in the farming aspect.
How To Grow Hops in CT?
Top Three Things to Consider for Potential Hops Growers
Number One: Time and Money
Time. Hop yards take a lot of time as a commercial cash crop. From setting up a hop yard, to waiting three to five years for hops to mature, to your bread and butter tasks of a growing season.
Do not expect to take a vacation during the growing season, as you may return to insect infestation that has overrun your hop yard.
Money, money, money. Initial hop yard setups can range from 10,000 to 12,000 dollars per acre according to studies in 2012. Factor in material cost increases, sources of material, and current economy, and you could be looking at even more cost per set up.
Also, do not forget to factor in your maintenance cost fo...
