E-Malt.com News article: USA, WA: John I. Haas Inc. announce successful startup of new hop farm and harvest facility in Washington

John I. Haas Inc. (Haas®), a global leader in the hop industry, announced on September 6 the successful startup of its new hop farm and harvest facility in Washington’s Wenas Valley. With an eye on the future, this operation marks a significant expansion in growing operations for the company, underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in hop cultivation and production.

The new facility, named in honor of the historic Longmire home located on the property, is expected to harvest a limited amount of acreage this season using state-of-the-art picking technology. The equipment at the Longmire Ranch incorporates refined designs that offer enhanced hop quality preservation and improved operational efficiencies.

“The startup has gone quite smoothly,” said Pete Mahony, Vice President of Supply Chain and Purchasing for John I. Haas. “From presenting the original vision to preparing for this first harvest, it has been a long and rewarding experience for everyone involved in the project. It is a strategic, long-term investment and will serve our company and our customers very well for decades to come.”

The Longmire Ranch will complement Haas’ flagship farm in Toppenish, WA, with a visitor-friendly environment for brewing industry guests and advances in sustainable growing practices. Its location in the Wenas Valley is isolated from other local hop-growing areas, offering minimized exposure to pests and viruses and reduced strain on the local water supply. This unique setting is expected to support strong yields and high-quality hops for years to come.

“We are deeply excited about adding this new chapter to our history,” said Haas CEO, Tom Davis. “I’m confident that the Longmire Ranch will play a pivotal role in supporting the company’s mission of providing the highest quality hops and advanced hop products from our home in Washington to brewers around the world.”


07 September, 2024