A south Shropshire brewery’s dream of exclusively using locally sourced hops took a step closer reality earlier this month.
Some 15 farmers attended the first Hobsons Crop Walk, which encouraged local farmers to grow Maris Otter malting barley for the Hobsons brewery based in Cleobury Mortimer.
The event was held at Hall Farm, Leinthall Earls and organised by John Amos & Co with Hobsons Brewery.
John Amos said: “The feedback from farmers for growing malting barley has been exceptional. Many farmers recognised the need to spread their risk across different crop types and the returns from spring barley, particularly Maris Otter, is creating a good deal of enthusiasm through growers”.
Nick Davis, of Hobsons Brewery, added: “We certainly were very enthusiastic from the farm walk and feel that everything is moving in the right direction.
“We have close to 150 acres of malting barley lined up for next year which is fantastic news.”