Footprints® is the comprehensive brand management program SBG employs to ensure the highest level of attention is given to the growing and harvesting of our hops. The following 2017 highlights support the validity of our program and also guide us in our continuous improvement efforts.
VARIETAL PURITY
- The number of male plants found in SBG fields were reduced by over 30%.
- Approximately 300 acres replaced with hop stunt viroid free rootstock.
- Clean plant repository being built for future propagation.
FOOD SAFETY
- As of 2017, 18 farms growing on behalf of SBG achieved or are working toward GlobalGap certification.
CROP MANAGEMENT
- Developing a special projects program in 2018 to improve growing practices.
- Increased focus on best practice program in conjunction with Yakima Chief-Hopunion.
HARVEST QUALITY
- Narrowed harvest windows for Simcoe® by 10 days, Citra® by 8 days, and Mosaic® by 6 days to reflect brewer preference.
- Rejected over 700,000 lbs. that did not meet brand specifications for quality.
- Highest harvest date consistency in FOOTPRINTS® program history.
- On average, the 2017 seed content percentages for the SBG managed production were below the seed content percentages for the total production in the United States.
| |
Total USA Production |
SBG Managed Production |
| Overall |
0.87% |
0.48% |
| Washington |
0.67% |
0.34% |
| Oregon |
2.47% |
2.01% |
| Idaho |
0.56% |
0.05% |
Posted April 02, 2018
