Low Trellis Production, Harvesting System and Marketing Tools for Locally-Grown Hops and Value-Added Products

There is a large demand for high quality, locally-grown hops by craft brewers throughout the U.S. Farmers are increasingly looking at establishing small-scale (¼ acre to 5 acres) commercial hop yards to supply this demand. Commercial hop yard infrastructure and harvest equipment currently available for purchase are not practical for many of these farms because they can be too expensive. While many University Extension programs have worked hard to help these farms by trialing cultivars and sharing best production and processing practices, there has been limited work on addressing the need for new equipment options and specific marketing strategies. To address these needs, TGS's novel Low Trellis Production and Harvesting System for Hops (HoPS) is created to be affordable but also capable of producing good yields of high quality hops and allowing efficient harvests. The innovation in this system lies in the advanced manufacturing and software technology and processes used to make the durable trellis system components and compatible mechanical harvesting equipment. No other existing hop trellis structure on the market can be rotated to different positions to make integrated pest management practices and harvesting easier for growers.This Phase II project is anticipated to culminate in an agricultural production product that is sturdy, long-lasting, easy to install and operable by 1-2 people. The harvest system will be designed to offer both small and mid-sized growers a practical option -- either a low cost handheld harvest aid for use in hop yards less than one acre or an optional upgrade to a semi-automated harvester for use in hop yards up to five acres. Commercialization of these unique systems-based products along with usable marketing tools will give underserved growers unprecedented options to make small-scale hop production a profitable business venture in their locales. The major usefulness of HoPS is derived from its ability to be readily installed, to increase labor efficiencies, and to require less annual operating costs. The structure does not need the extensive ground structural support or special equipment for installation and maintenance that conventional hop yards require. Harvests are anticipated to be more efficient because cones are harvested directly off the trellis.The system includes an articulating low trellis structure and hardware system, a compatible hand held mechanical harvest aid and a user guide with specific guidance on production practices, cultivar performance and marketing value added hop products.The key attributes of this technology are:AffordabilityReduction in plant management labor hoursIncreased harvest efficienciesGood return on investmentExpanded geographical growing areas