Yee-Haw Brewing Co. announced an interesting partnership with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) to bolster hops production research in Tennessee. This collaboration showcases Yee-Haw’s commitment to the state’s agricultural community by helping advance local hop farming. Through the creation of a dedicated research fund, Yee-Haw will support ongoing hop cultivation and agricultural innovation at the UTIA’s newly constructed UT Hopyard. This is located at the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Knoxville.
Supporting hops research with a collaborative brew
As part of the partnership, Yee-Haw Brewing is set to release a special collaboration beer, Hopyard Pilsner. This will feature hops grown directly from the UT Hopyard. This pilsner represents the first fruits of the research team’s efforts, highlighting the successful harvest of locally grown hops. The beer will be available on draft at Yee-Haw Knoxville. A portion of the proceeds from the sales will directly contribute to the hops research fund. From the press release:
“It was great working with UTIA, and getting the whole team out to the hopyard was an incredible experience,” says Trevor Daniels, Head Brewer at Yee-Haw Knoxville. “Picking hops straight from the vine is a unique experience that you typically need to go to Michigan or Yakima Valley to have, and we were lucky enough to get to do it in our own backyard thanks to UTIA. Anytime you get to brew with fresh hops within 24 hours of them being harvested is a special thing and lends to a very unique beer.”
Why hops research matters for craft brewers
Hops are a critical component in the brewing process, adding aroma, flavor, and bitterness to beer. However, growing hops sustainably in different regions, like Tennessee, requires careful research and data collection. By supporting local hop production, Yee-Haw Brewing ensures that brewers in Tennessee and surrounding areas will have access to local, high-quality hops. This can reduce reliance on imported ingredients and create a more sustainable supply chain. From the press release:
“Growing hops in Tennessee is challenging, but at the UT Hopyard, we are screening several different varieties, production practices and market preparation techniques that will provide producers with local, data-driven recommendations,” explained Mitchell Richmond, assistant professor and specialty crop Extension specialist in the UT Department of Plant Sciences.
The UTIA’s research efforts are aimed at generating vital data and offering hands-on training for future hops producers in Tennessee. This collaboration will provide insights for other craft breweries looking to support local agriculture. This also ensures quality control, supply reliability, and community engagement.
Tips for breweries on building partnerships around hops
- Partner with local universities or agricultural institutes: Like Yee-Haw’s partnership with UTIA, collaborating with academic institutions can provide valuable research, training, and local sourcing opportunities. These partnerships can lead to more sustainable practices and higher quality ingredients.
- Promote local ingredients: Consumers are increasingly interested in locally sourced products. Utilizing local hops and other ingredients not only supports nearby farmers but also creates a unique story for your beer, which can be a significant marketing advantage.
- Create a dedicated collaboration beer: Launching a special beer to commemorate the partnership, like Hopyard Pilsner, brings awareness to the cause and fosters consumer loyalty. Highlight how the beer is crafted with local hops and allocate a portion of proceeds to support continued research or agricultural efforts.
- Contribute to agricultural research: Donating a portion of sales or creating a specific fund to support research, as Yee-Haw did, allows breweries to invest in the future of brewing. This investment in research and sustainability can help ensure long-term access to essential ingredients.
Why filtration and quality control also matter for craft brewers
Ensuring that the hops used in your brewing process are of top quality is only one part of the equation. Breweries also need to focus on filtration to maintain consistency and product integrity. Advanced filtration systems, such as lenticular filters, help improve beer clarity, extend shelf life, and maintain the desired flavor profile, all while supporting larger production goals. Be sure to sign up for our upcoming webinar on filtration right here.
Yee-Haw Brewing’s partnership with UTIA showcases a successful model for supporting local agriculture while enhancing product quality. As the craft brewing industry continues to evolve, initiatives like these highlight the importance of innovation, local sourcing, and building strong relationships with the agricultural community. For more information on Yee-Haw Brewing and their collaboration with UTIA, visit Yee-Haw Brewing. To contribute to the hops research fund, please visit giveutia.tennessee.edu..
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