Every new hop growing season begins with propagation. As soon as the ground thaws enough to allow people and implements into the fields we start digging roots. Root digging in 2016 began in late February, we worked with 10 different farms to procure and deliver the highest quality rootstock available for new acreage planting. Sustainable digging methods, higher than average workforce wages, controlled atmosphere storage, virility and size screening, combined with additional quality assurance measures are all part of our commitment to top notch propagation. We also take great pride in working closely with all of our growers; providing them with bins for storing the roots, and pick-up and delivery of those bins once planting is complete.
The 2016 field season proved to be another great year to spend in the hop fields of the Pacific Northwest. With the help of our amazing and dedicated interns, we were able to traverse every row of every field planted with SBG managed brands. By employing a stringent “boots on the ground” approach to phenotyping and Integrated Pest Management, SBG is setting a standard in the hop industry that is unmatched in scope and service. Despite early bloom and high pollen counts, we were able to assist our growers in cultivating beautiful stands of true to type crops, that were also far below the industry averages for seed and stem. Taking the time to listen and learn from our growers, and investing in the resources necessary to serve their needs, is the SBG difference!
Posted April 02, 2017