HOPworks worksHOP with Dr. Ron Godin from Colorado State Uni

[Dave Savoie]

Corn Hill, NB – Learn to Grow Beer!

August 28th WorksHOP: The focus of the workshop will be on hops cultivation, including the basics of low impact hops horticulture, harvesting and processing, fertility schedule, pest and disease management–and more! Workshop participants will walk away with a week-by-week work schedule for optimal hops growth. This is a MUST workshop for anyone involved or aspiring to be involved in hops production in the Maritimes. Cost is $30/participant, register by contacting happyhopyard@gmail.com to coordinate a farm visit. Cost is $60 / farm (to cover travel and accommodation). Priority scheduling will be given to participants who attend the workshop.

Press Release:
Who could say no to sipping local organic brew? Not many–and recently, a core group of people–farmers to be precise–have stepped up to the fields to start making this vision a reality.

Hops are one of the main ingredients often imported from afar (from the likes of Australia and New Zealand) to produce the beverage not many can resist: beer. As a result, although hops may seem like a foreign crop, in truth it is often found as a weed, and can actually grow quite well in the Maritimes. Atlantic Canada just needs more farmers to get on board and learn how to do it.

That's why Dr. Ron Godin, an agrologist with Colorado State University, who specializes in sustainable and organic hop production, is coming to Cornhill Nursery (Cornhill, NB) on Sunday, August 28th. For anyone who might be interested in becoming a hops producer, or for those who have a hopyard in production, Dr. Godin will be offering a full day, intensive workshop on growing hops. Participants will leave with a full week-by-week care program for their hop crops.

Ashley Durdle, co-producer of the largest hop establishment in New Brunswick, couldn't speak highly enough of Dr. Godin's workshop, "We learned more in one day with him than three years experience of working the hop fields," she claims, "this workshop is invaluable, and we're really excited he's made the trip to the Maritimes."

Above and beyond the virtues of providing local breweries with the option of using local (and ideally organic) hops, there are other reasons to invest land in certified organic hop production. For instance, the sales of certified organic beer brewing has increased significantly in the past five years, and likewise, so has the demand for organic hops. This means it could very well be a profitable venture–both for the hop producer as well as for the brew masters, who pay less in shipping for locally produced and processed hops.

"Only in the last couple years have we been able to source local hops, and there really is a distinctive taste," says Sean Dunbar of Picaroons Brewery in Fredericton, NB. "Local supply is still limited, and we'd really like to see this sector grow."

In addition to the day-long workshop, during his stay Dr. Godin will be setting up hopyard visits between August 29 and September 2nd for hop producers in the Maritimes. If you are growing hops and would be interested in a professional visit from Dr. Godin (cost is $60/farm), or if you would like to register for the workshop (only $30), please contact Ashley Durdle at happyhopyard@gmail.com
506-650-1626 (cell)
506-639-5092

[Kyle]

yeah, I saw that too... I'm not going to go, but good you posted it.

[Brian_S]

This looks familiar

Just out of curiosity if any one is going (I am) we could hit the most excellent German restaurant near by for supper.  I'll keep an eye on this thread and make reservations mid week if there is enough interest.

B

[Dave Savoie]

Bah if it wasnt during the week id be able to go grrrrrrr

[Brian_S]

Its on a Sunday Dave....

B

[Richard]

I'm playing paintball all day on the 27th, but I should be able to make this... will have to check with the wifey.

[Kyle]

assuming you mean the Schnitzel Parlour, definitely won't be there, since they use peanuts, which is kind of odd for a german restaurant.

[Dave Savoie]

Its on a Sunday Dave....

B

isnt it Aug 29th - sept 2 Mon - Fri

[Brian_S]

The work shop is a one day thing on the Sunday.  The rest of the week is farm visits.

The restaurant is Giermindles Old Bavarian Ghastof....Where is the Schnitzel Parlour?

B

[Dave Savoie]

Hmm Sunday the 29th I will check with the wife !!!

[Brian_S]

Sunday is the 28th......Did you read what you posted?

B

[Dave Savoie]

Bah !!!!

[Kyle]

on the way to mactequack... pretty sure i didn't spell that correctly