Growing hops in the Panhandle

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. (AP) — The Panhandle Research and Extension Center is in its third year growing hops, as part of a research project being conducted by University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor Stacy Adams.

The experiment is to see how effectively hops can be grown in Nebraska, using plots across the state, from UNL's East Campus to the west in Scottsbluff.

"It's to see how well these plants will do here in the state and where they'll do best in the state," said Extension educator Gary Stone. The study will examine yields, disease and pest issues, and the flavor content of the hops being grown in different parts of Nebraska.

The Star-Herald reports that hops are grown on 12-foot-tall trellises.