By Krista Regennitter—Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
With the popularity of Craft Breweries exploding around the state, as well as the nation, there is one essential element that is involved—hops! Growing hops is an emerging industry within the state of Iowa. Learn more about this increasingly popular crop on Wednesday, December 11th, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Muscatine County Extension and Outreach Office, 1601 Plaza Place, Muscatine. This event is being co-sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Cedar Falls Hops Company; and the Cedar, Muscatine, and Scott County Chapters of Women, Land, and Legacy.
The featured speaker is Keri Byrum of the Cedar Falls Hops Company. Byrum is a horticulturist with a degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Science from the University of Delaware. Cedar Falls Hops Company currently has seven acres devoted to four different varieties of Iowa hops, which they sell primarily in Iowa.
Byrum will be talking about several topics:
· The difference between wild and domesticated hops
· Understanding hops anatomy and growth
· How hops is grown and harvested to make delicious Iowa beers
· Structures for growing hops
· Care, maintenance, and harvesting practices
Landowners looking at alternative crops, gardeners, and home brewers are all encouraged to attend. The program is free of charge. Please RSVP to the Muscatine County Extension and Outreach Office at (563)-263-5701 or [email protected] by December 9th.
