Hops Conversation 2.0

This weeks episode will feature Dr. Heather Darby, an Agronomist for UVM Extension. Heather has been developing the Northwest Crops and Soils Program since she came to UVM in 2003 and provides leadership to the team. Heather’s passion for sustainable agriculture and the enthusiasm she receives from Vermont’s farmers and professionals have fueled the expansion of her program, which covers the state of Vermont, and brings her around New England, across the country, and beyond to places like the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Brazil and Washington DC. Her goal is to provide sound research based agronomic information for the farmers of Vermont. Her varied interests and the enthusiasm lead her to work with a variety of agronomic crops including forages and specialty crops. Hop production was common throughout the Northeast in the 1800s. However, today most hop production occurs in the Pacific Northwest. Renewed interest and demand for local hops is breathing new life into an otherwise “historical” crop. To increase hops production in the Northeast, Dr. Heather Darby and the UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team conducts a hops outreach and applied research program. The phone lines will be open and you are welcome to call in at (929) 477-1757 to join the conversation.