Multi-state and International Great Lakes Hop Workers Group collaborative continues

Beginning in May 2013, Michigan State University Extension educators began working in coordination with researchers at the University of Minnesota, University of Vermont and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. The collaborative continues in 2014 with new members from the Centre de recherche et de développement technologique agricole de l’Outaouais (CREDÉTAO), Ohio State University, North Carolina State University, Cornell University, University of Wisconsin, Purdue University, North Dakota State University and the University of Illinois.  Once again this season, Erin Lizotte, MSU Extension IPM educator will be monitoring hops pests and predators on a weekly basis in northwest Michigan and sharing information and control measures with colleagues and growers. IPM updates will be posted to the MSU hops website.

Two hops workshops announced for 2014

MSU Extension will offer two hops educational programs this year. The first will occur on Friday, August 15, 2014, when we will host our 6th annual Northwest Michigan Hops Tour. Potential participants are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible since the tour typically sells out quickly. Second, MSU Extension is developing a hops program for the Great Lakes EXPO, which will take place on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Plans are also in the works to develop a “Wet hop ale competition” during EXPO featuring Michigan-grown hops as well. Updates will be posted as more information becomes available.