Purdue Extension field day covers hops management

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Farmers who grow hops or want to start hops production can attend Purdue Extension's Hops Field Day to learn more about managing the crop.

The field day will be June 4 at Crazy Horse Hops Farm, 8781 S. County Road 925 W, Knightstown. The free event runs 1-3 p.m. EST.

Rapid growth in the craft beer industry is providing new opportunities for Indiana farmers to grow hops, said Lori Hoagland, assistant professor of horticulture and one of the field day organizers.

"Demand for hops is beginning to exceed the supply, resulting in increased costs and concerns about hop shortages," Hoagland said. "This field day will help growers identify best management practices for their farm and support Indiana's hop and craft beer industries."

Topics include irrigation management, hilling, petiole testing for nutrients, pruning lower foliage for downy mildew management and insect identification. Participants may bring insect specimens for experts to identify.

The event is free, but registration is required by June 1. To sign up, go to http://bit.ly/1rkkciw. For more information, contact the Monroe County Extension office at 812-349-2575 or afthompson@purdue.edu.  

Writer: Emma Hopkins, 765-494-8402, hopkine@purdue.edu 

Source: Lori Hoagland, 765-494-1426, lhoaglan@purdue.edu

Agricultural Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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