Iowa Farmer Grows Unique Crop - Hops

By Justin Foss, Reporter

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By Justin Foss

Story Created: Sep 3, 2009 at 9:42 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 3, 2009 at 9:42 PM CST

OXFORD - Beer lovers in Iowa will have something to toast at this weekend's beer fest in Amana: the prospect of a true Iowa brew.

According to The Hop Growers of America, hops production in the U-S is concentrated to just three states in the Pacific northwest. Washington State grows 75-percent of hops in the U.S., Oregon produces 15-percent and Idaho grows 10-percent.

Now, there are hops growing in Iowa.

"I smell some real citrusy, some earthy smells here," said Seth Somerville. He said that as he brought a handful of hops to his nose on his farm near Oxford.

We asked Somerville about the reactions he gets from people when he tells them he's growing hops. "Most people have really no idea what hops are," he said.

Hops are most famous for their addition to beer. The little flowers can make the taste bitter, or act as a preservative. Pale Ale's have a lot of hops. Historically, that's because the British added the hops to their India Pale Ale's to help preserve the beer on the long ship rides.

Somerville decided to grow hops after a global shortage last year. He saw the effects first hand from working at Millstream Brewery in Amana.

The last time hops were growing in Iowa fields was before prohibition. These are now the only certified organic hops in Iowa, and when he went to the USDA to get a stamp of approval, they had to make a new application.

"When we told them we were growing hops, they stopped a second and looked at us and they hadn't had anyone growing hops," said Somerville.

The perennial plants take three years to reach maturity - this is only year two. These hops will go to small home brewers.

Somerville calls it a labor of love.

"If someone gave me two beers and said one has your hops in it and one doesn't, I may not be able to tell them apart. But, if I know, then it's going to be that much better knowing the sweat I've put into this field," said Somerville.

Soon maybe a neighborhood bar, could be serving a real neighborhood beer.

If you would like to buy some of Somerville's hops, we have his contact information in Justin's blog.

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