Trial Report Summary

Hopyard Variety Evaluation

Crop Type(s):
Hops
Centre(s):
PCDF
Year(s):
2020
Collaborators(s):

PCDF

Objective(s):

To evaluate varieties of hops for production on the Prairies.

Project Findings:

Infrastructure came into place toward the end of the season for the hops to grow
upward in their characteristic manner. The summer of 2020 represented the first year that PCDF has
harvested hops from these now well-established vines. The yield for hops is presented in report. The
hops were not tested at a lab, but plans have been made to test the material in 2021.

Background:

Production of hops is of interest in Manitoba. This is especially true as interest in Winnipeg and other
cities surrounding locally sourced grains and hops for their craft brews continues to grow. Hops provide
alternatives for smaller acreage owners. Different varieties possess different fragrances and qualities
that affect the beers and other beverages produced from them. Equipment for planting and harvesting
are available. An August 2018 article in the Manitoba Cooperator describes how hops growers received
funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) for harvesting equipment.
A mature hops plant will quickly grow up to 20 feet in length, and an important working to get them
properly strung up can provide for very busy work in the first part of the growing season. Once
harvested, they are pressed into pellets, which are the preferred form for brewers. Some growers are
looking at providing this service for other growers and others have devised their own means of
producing pellets. The size of the operation will determine the best method for individual growers.

PDF:

Entire findings are available by downloading the report PDF.

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