WOOSTER, Ohio - New and experienced growers interested in learning more about the hops industry are invited to attend the 2015 Hops Field Night July 23 on the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) campus in Wooster.
Offered by experts from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University, the Hops Field Night will provide information and education regarding hops management practices for anyone interested in hops production, according to Chelsea Smith, an Ohio State entomology research assistant. OARDC is the research arm of the college.
The event is an excellent opportunity for experienced hops growers to learn new management methods and for new growers interested in taking the first step to learn the proper methods needed to get started growing hops, Smith said.
“There is a lot of interest in the hops industry at the moment,” she said. “However, hops are high-maintenance plants, but can be managed with the right practices.”
Topics to be addressed during the field night include soil management, the problems facing hop farming such as disease and pests, proper chemical and pesticide use, and the different varieties of hops, Smith said.
“An important aspect of the hops production that will also be addressed is marketing strategy for industry success,” she said.
The event will be held from 6-9.m. at the OARDC Horticultural Research Unit 2, 5082 Oil City Road, Wooster. Registration is $20. To register, contact Smith at 330-202-3555, ext. 2560, or smith.7231@osu.edu.
Chelsea Smith
330-202-3555, extension 2560
smith.7231@osu.edu