The Old Fort at Hesperus will host an open house on Friday, October 11th from 4 until 7 p.m. Tours of the newly established hops yard will be available to offer potential producers with the opportunity to see systems used for irrigation, weed management and trellising. Information on the eleven varieties of hops that were established in June 2013 will be available. A soil sampling demonstration will include interpretation of results. Participants will receive cloth soil bags and sample submission forms for their use. In addition to the tours and resources on establishing hops yards, Dr. Ron Godin and Dr. Kevin Lombard will be there to answer questions. Cost is $5.00 with snacks and drinks being provided.
Directions to the Old Fort at Hesperus (18693 Hwy 140) from Durango: Take Hwy 160 toward Cortez. At top of Hesperus Hill, turn left (South) on Hwy 140. Go approximately 4 miles until you see the historic buildings and gardens on the right. Turn right into Old Fort and proceed to historic library building for registration.
Old Fort Hops Variety descriptions
Old Fort Hops Yard History and Establishment
On July 12th - 13th a symposium on hops (Humulussp.) production and marketing in the Four Corners Region and New Mexico was held at Three Rivers Brewery in Farmington, NM. It was designed for persons who may be thinking about growing hops (Humulus lupulus) and/or thinking of commercially brewing with fresh hops/non-pellet hops. Emphasis was placed on commercial, small-scale farm production and marketing, pros and cons, of growing and marketing hops.
Old Fort at Hesperus Variety Trial Overview - Presented by Beth LaShell