STARKSBORO — The owners of Homestead Hops in Starksboro will share their experiences with starting a hopyard at a University of Vermont Extension-sponsored field day on Sept. 1.
Kelly and Kathleen Norris will describe the investments, start-up challenges and other steps they took to establish their hopyard in 2014. Growers also will have an opportunity to view the irrigation pond they built along with a recently purchased harvester, air blast sprayer and other equipment.
In addition, Heather Darby, an agronomist with the UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program, will update farmers on UVM hops research. The program will run from 3 to 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
The event, which will take place at the hopyard, located at 2951 Route 17, is free but registration is requested by Aug. 30. Growers may register online at http://homesteadhops.eventbrite.com or by contacting Susan Brouillette at (802) 524-6501, ext. 432, or (800) 639-2130 (toll-free in Vermont).
To request a disability-related accommodation to participate, please contact Brouillette by Aug. 15.