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Can you grow hops in New York?

Can you grow hops in New York?

But growing hops in New York is still not without its challenges. One of the largest hurdles its growers face is that they are unable to grow some of the more sought after varieties of hops that have been bred and trademarked by growers in the Pacific Northwest.

What hops grow best in New York?

The most popular hops, like Cascade, Centennial and Chinook, are grown in New York. But other varieties may not fare as well. And some well-known varieties — like the currently popular Mosaic or Citra — are proprietary to growers in other areas.

Is there money in growing hops?

Hops can be a lucrative crop to grow. The giant providers out in the Pacific Northwest are wholesaling for as little as $3 per pound, but Gorst Valley’s small-scale hops can net as much as $15 per pound, giving the crop the potential to be an extremely profitable plant.

How much does an acre of hops yield?

889 plants or “hills” make up one acre of hops, if planted on a standard 3.5 foot by 14 foot spacing. In the Pacific Northwest, yields average about 2,000 pounds of dried hop cones per acre on mature hop yards, or a little over two pounds per hill (yields vary depending on variety and location).

Is it difficult to grow hops?

Hops are a perennial and produce bines annually. Hops should be planted in rows of hills about 8 feet apart with two rhizomes per hill and hills set about 2 to 3 feet apart. “Hops are difficult to grow on a small scale,” Paino advises. “They need a lot of attention, especially in late June and early July.”

Is there a demand for hops?

The Global Hops market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.5%, during the forecast period (2020 – 2025). A transitional shift in the demand for bittering hops from aroma varieties and a positive trajectory in the growth of craft breweries across the world are driving the global hops market.

What is the best climate for growing hops?

Hops can be grown in just about any moderate climate in the U.S., but do best in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. Some varieties are more heat-resistant, and some more resistant to molds, diseases and pests, but hops are generally hardy once established.

How much does it cost to grow hops in New York?

It doesn’t sound like a lot of land under cultivation, but it is can be a lot of work and about $12-$15,000 per acre investment to get started.  (see below) Currently, there is no one in New York with more than 40 acres of producing hops but I do expect that to change in the future.

When to pick hops in the Pacific Northwest?

Hop harvest in the Pacific Northwest and in New York usually runs from mid August to mid September, depending upon the variety. If you want to use your hops for ornamental purposes, pick your hops early.

How many pounds of hops did New York produce in 1880?

In 1880, New York produced 21 million pounds of dried hops, the majority of the US crop, which sold upwards of $1.00/pound. What happened, and why can we grow them again now?

How many years does it take to grow a full crop of hops?

Also, quality is more important than where they were grown, so “local” will not make up for poor quality hops. The first year in production you may get a few hops, with a partial crop the second season, and a full crop the third and fourth years.

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