Organic HOPS in Michigan coming soon
- Thread starter MIchigan
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As a Michigan homebrewer and craft beer enthusiast, I'm excited to hear about another hop farm getting started. I've been following the developments at Hop Head Farms over on the west side of the state. I think they are somewhere between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.
I've heard about some small hop farms getting going up in the thumb area as well.
Although, I haven't heard about anybody doing things the way you're going about it. Your situation and past experiences seem to match up with what it takes to have success in this venture.
What part of the state are you in?
I'm in the metro-Detroit area, myself. There's not as much farm land around this area as there is in other parts of the state, but there is some. Tons of horse barns and such, as well.
Anyway, I'll be curious to know how things go for you. And I'll be keeping an eye out for you when harvest time comes around.
From the tiny bit I know about hop farming, it seems the harvesting, drying, pelletizing, packaging, and all that goes with those processes seems to be the part of the equation that makes it difficult for new farms to get started. Really expensive equipment that is necessary before you have any chance to even know if you'll get a return on the investment. Or at least, it seems like that was a big hump to get over for the Hop Head Farms people. But I just follow them on facebook, so I'm sure I don't have the full story. Regardless, they are at the point of selling their hops to a few breweries around the midwest, as well as local homebrew shops in Michigan and Northern Brewer (they were featured in a limited edition recipe kit, and now you can get their hops by the ounce through NB).
Anyway, good luck and happy hopping!
I've heard about some small hop farms getting going up in the thumb area as well.
Although, I haven't heard about anybody doing things the way you're going about it. Your situation and past experiences seem to match up with what it takes to have success in this venture.
What part of the state are you in?
I'm in the metro-Detroit area, myself. There's not as much farm land around this area as there is in other parts of the state, but there is some. Tons of horse barns and such, as well.
Anyway, I'll be curious to know how things go for you. And I'll be keeping an eye out for you when harvest time comes around.
From the tiny bit I know about hop farming, it seems the harvesting, drying, pelletizing, packaging, and all that goes with those processes seems to be the part of the equation that makes it difficult for new farms to get started. Really expensive equipment that is necessary before you have any chance to even know if you'll get a return on the investment. Or at least, it seems like that was a big hump to get over for the Hop Head Farms people. But I just follow them on facebook, so I'm sure I don't have the full story. Regardless, they are at the point of selling their hops to a few breweries around the midwest, as well as local homebrew shops in Michigan and Northern Brewer (they were featured in a limited edition recipe kit, and now you can get their hops by the ounce through NB).
Anyway, good luck and happy hopping!
Yes I have a small farm between Lansing and Detroit. My mother grew up in Huntington woods and her father is the one who purchased the land I live on and farm along time ago. The big hop farm is going to be just south of mount pleasant. If all goes well I will continue spreading hops as far as I can. I'm just happy to have something I can put everything I have into experience wise and what not. I'm waiting for my business partners friend to come take a look at our project. Hopefully we can talk him into a processor. I really was interested in brewing which led me to farming hops. Keep a look out for us. Getting all the paper work ready and planting before we really start putting out the word.
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I'll bet you wish you had half the gumption MIchigan has. Admit it. I read what he posted and I understood what he said. A six pack says he will do just fine. In 20 years he just may be legend. I know of such things.
HALIFAXHOPS
Senior Member
Good luck with it! It is hard work but very rewarding.
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