Old Klaverack Hop Farm was started in 2014 as an experimental project started because I wanted desperately to grow hops for my son, Erik, an avid brewer with a penchant for putting good local ingredients into his brew kettle. He finally convinced me to plant a few hops rhizomes to see if the well drained soil of our farm land had characterizes for hop production. After the initial planting of three varieties of hops, Cascade, Galena, and Fuggles in the spring the plants did extremely well and we hoped that harvest would tell the tale we wanted to hear, and it did. Harvest time yielded more than we expected for 1st year plants and the size, quality and aroma was exceptional. We did not send any of the harvest out for alpha acid testing but plan extensive testing next harvest and beyond!
We are expanding in our 2nd year to approximately 200 to 250 plants of the same three varieties. This includes the installation of an extensive trellis system to accommodate the vibrant hop bine growth. If the second year planting yields anything like the first year we plan to expand with a third year planting with a approximate total of 500 to 650 plants to supply not only Old Klaverack Brewery but also any other local brewery and home brewers.
We are expanding in our 2nd year to approximately 200 to 250 plants of the same three varieties. This includes the installation of an extensive trellis system to accommodate the vibrant hop bine growth. If the second year planting yields anything like the first year we plan to expand with a third year planting with a approximate total of 500 to 650 plants to supply not only Old Klaverack Brewery but also any other local brewery and home brewers.
a little hop history
Hops first came to America from Europe around 1630. Small crops were produced for many years, probably to supply small breweries and taverns, and began to emerge as a major crop in New York around 1830. By mid-century, due to excellent yields and good market prices, hop production assumed feverish proportions. By 1849 New York had attained the national leadership in the production of hops, and by 1855 the region was raising well over three million pounds annually. Then, a series of disasters conspired to destroy the local growers. In 1909, the crop was hit with the downey mildew (sphaerotheca humuli), often referred to erroneously as ‘blight’ or ‘blue mold.’ Efforts to defeat the disease were in vain, after two dismal years put the family farmer nearly out of business. Then, in 1914, an extreme attack of hop aphids broke out that further added to their demise. But by this time the picture in upstate New York was one of disaster, and farmers no longer could afford to make further attempts at growing hops. The final blow came as Prohibition eliminated virtually all needs for hops.
We at Old Klaverack Hop Farm look forward to supply Old Klaverack Brewery and other local brewers the best hops possible. We will strive for quality and will not settle for anything else.
We at Old Klaverack Hop Farm look forward to supply Old Klaverack Brewery and other local brewers the best hops possible. We will strive for quality and will not settle for anything else.