Some Saskatchewan craft breweries are using provincially grown hops in their beer.

Guy Shepherd and his son Justin have been growing hops on their Moosomin area farm since 2017. (Moosomin is located a couple of hours east of Regina, near the Manitoba border)

“Justin was living in Boulder, Colorado which is a hotbed of craft breweries, said Guy Shepherd. “Originally, he was thinking of starting a craft brewery, but that turned out to be a bit more complex than we wanted.”

The Shepherds adjusted their plans and decided to plant hops on 1.3 acres. The area has now expanded to more than 10 acres, likely making it the largest producer on the prairies.

Hops are specifically used for the aroma, flavouring and bittering of the beer by the brewer.

Shepherd indicates a yield of 2,100 pounds per acre is considered to be an exceptional crop. Their hops have been sold to several provincial craft breweries including Rebellion, Paddock Wood and 9 Mile Legacy. Great Western has also made some hop purchases.

(Photo by Andrew March for JGL Shepherd Farms)