Learn to grow hops and grapes at free field day
Friday, June 23, 2023
Media Contact: Trisha Gedon | Sr. Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu
Experts with Oklahoma State University Extension are gearing up to teach Oklahomans about the ins and outs of growing hops and grapes.
The Growing Hops and Grapes in Oklahoma Field Day will take place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on July 20 at the Cimarron Valley Research Station, 1003 E. 104th St, Perkins, Oklahoma.
Prospective hop and grape growers, home brewers, microbrewery owners and those interested in trellising and specialty crops should plan to attend. The field day is free but registration is required by July 17.
Aaron Essary, OSU Extension horticulture and landscape architecture specialist, said Oklahoma has about 400 acres dedicated to growing grapes.
“There is interest in this growing industry, and this field day will help prospective growers learn more about grapevine management,” Essary said. “Vineyard work is ongoing and requires daily attention. In order to be successful, vineyard operators should know it’s a life-long commitment. This event will provide a broad overview of what’s required for growing grapes in Oklahoma.”
Grape topics include:
- Trellis design
- Planting
- Training
- Disease management
- Harvest
Katie Stenmark, crop science doctoral student and graduate research assistant, said growing hops is a good way to diversify an agricultural operation.
“Hops is a new specialty crop in Oklahoma, and the number of hop acres needs to increase in order to meet the demand of the $699 million craft beer industry in the state,” Stenmark said. “Potential growers will learn about production, harvesting and handling of hops in an established hopyard.”
Hop topics include:
- Cultivar selection
- Trellis construction
- Planting
- First-year care
- Irrigation
- Training
- Pest management
- Harvest
- Post-harvest handling
For more information about the Growing Hops and Grapes in Oklahoma Field Day, please contact Becky Carroll, OSU Extension fruit and pecan specialist, at 405-744-6139 or becky.carroll@okstate.edu.