There is tremendous interest in growing hops in the Southeast and we welcome you to visit us and learn more about it. We have a six year old research hop yard with 12 varieties of hops. We are testing a variety of production practices including farmscaping and topping. Our breeder also has some of his test material in the yard.

These monthly hop yard tours provide an opportunity for you to see a mature productive research hop yard at multiple times throughout the growing season. You can sign up for one or more of the session. These are informal, small-group learning events designed for people interested in starting a hop yard and for experienced growers to observe different varieties and see the other practices we are testing.

The tours will be led by Kelly Gaskill, Research Assistant, and primary caretaker of the hop yard since its establishment in 2011. The session takes place outside and in all weather conditions, so please dress accordingly. If it is pouring rain outside, the group will meet indoors to talk but will still visit the hop yard. Kelly will teach you about growing hops in the Southeast and will share the experiences we have had as well as those of the dozens of other growers we keep in contact with. We have designed these to be very interactive sessions and we usually have a good balance of beginner and advanced growers to share information with.

The tours will take place monthly from May through September. Current scheduled tours are for May 24, June 13, and July 12 from 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m..
***August Dates just added: Thursday, August 4th and Wednesday, August 31st***