The Hop Quality Group is now accepting Cascade hop samples for the fourth annual Cascade Cup. The Cascade Cup is awarded annually to the farmer that produces the highest quality cascade hops as judged by a panel of brewing professionals from the Hop Quality Group. Established in 2010, The Hop Quality Group is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to sustainable and quality hop production and processing for the craft beer industry. The group is comprised of 17 members that include leading breweries around the U.S. such as: Sierra Nevada, Founders, Bells, New Belgium, New Glarus, Stone, Firestone Walker, and more.

Hop Quality Group members will blindly select the winning entries based upon: analysis, aroma, and appearance. Farmers interested in competing for the Cup should send one brewer’s cut of their best whole-leaf Cascade hops along with USDA analysis and Lot number to: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Attn: Anders MacCarthy/Cascade Cup, 1075 E. 20^th St., Chico, CA, 95928. Submissions need to be received by Jan. 10, 2016 to be considered. Winners will be announced on Jan. 21, 2016 at 7 p.m., during the Rare Beer Banquet during the North American Hop Convention in Palm Desert, CA. Only one farm will be selected to receive the coveted Cascade Cup.

Since 2008, Michigan State University Extension has provided statewide leadership for hop research, education, and outreach. One of the goals of the MSU Extension Community Food Systems Work Team is to facilitate the development of relationships between stakeholders along the hops value chain. Making connections between farmers, brewers, and consumers can help promote increased purchases of Michigan-grown agricultural products, and increased sales of Michigan-made craft beer. The result is regional and rural economic development.

For more information please visit: Michigan State University Extension as well as the MSU Hops Page.