FEBRUARY 16th, 2019 8am-4pm
Welcome by Peter Limberger, CL Enterprises
Hear from the man whose vision, along with strategic co-founders spanning several industries to unify decades of experience and perseverance, has manifested Illinois' first "Farm to Foam" operation under one umbrella. Since 2010, a farm was founded, a brewery built, a restaurant launched, hops grown and beer brewed, served, bottled and distributed throughout Starved Rock Country. Born in Germany and continuing to build companies beyond our domestic borders, Mr. Limberger offers a global view of what is possible for Midwest Hop and specialty crop growth.
just a few we will hear from . . .
Danielle D'Alessandro Executive Director, IL Craft Brewers Guild. (ICBG) Former lobbyist and current advocate for the Illinois beer industry, Danielle presents an overview of regulatory framework and regional expansion possibilities for brewers, growers and distributors alike. What are the hurdles? What are the springboards? Who benefits from strong cooperation as a central state? Learn where and how your business can capitalize as the Midwest market share for craft beer continues to climb.
Grant McCarty Local Foods and Small Farms Extension Educator, University of Illinois Extension. A valuable asset for beginning farmers and established farms alike, Grant points to known issues of hop production in our climate including soil management and pest control along with a summary of hop production resources through the U of I Extension in cooperation with other Midwestern University programs. A primary source for the past 3 years, Grant shares how to grow hops, how to assess production issues, and key factors to develop a solid, grower-focused Midwest hop commodity market.
Matt McCarroll, "Hops, Malt and Water: A Vision for Illinois Beer” Professor of chemistry and biochemistry and Director of the Fermentation Science Institute at Southern Illinois University. Leading the effort to establish the Fermentation Science Institute and the B.S. degree in fermentation science, which is currently one of six 4-year degree programs in north America recognized by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas, Matt and his wife, Jen, established Windy Hill Hops and Farm in 2010, where they have been actively involved on the supply side of the brewing industry. Recent activities with the Fermentation Science Institute are focused on supporting the brewing industry in Illinois and establishing hops and malting barley as viable Illinois crops in Illinois. Conference goers will enjoy hearing Matt's abridge version of this decade long journey.
Tim & Holly Koster, Hop Farmers, CL Hop Farms The farm in 'Farm to Foam', Kosters share four years of lessons learned converting conventional farmland into a hopyard slated for expansion to 150 acres. Learn about key financial and operational considerations as well as specialty equipment and facilities for farming and processing hops.
Zach Lilla, Owner & Manger, AAR Lab Advanced Analytics Resources . "How Accurate Data Improves Hop Processing & Overall Hop Quality". A staple resource of Quality Assurance testing for US hop growers, Zach brings 18 years of analytical chemistry experience researching flavonoids, carbohydrates, hops, wine & beer to his company, AAR Labs in Wisconsin. Beyond alpha and beta essential oils, his industry recognized standard for testing hop qualities is cornerstone for hop growers. Hear which traits matter most to the farmer and the brewer, and how to submit cones and pellets for an accurate analysis of hop qualities.
Scott Streuchen, Chief Commercial Officer, Tangled Roots Brewing Company. Co-founding a craft brewery in the heart of Illinois, Scott shares the perspective of managing commerce connections between suppliers and consumers while managing the daily responsibilities of a 'Farm to Foam' brewpub and distribution brand. As the trends in craft malting, brewing and specialty crop farming grow in the Midwest, what unique relationships does it require to design and deliver a solid craft beer brand in the Midwest?
Keith Pearce, Chief Executive Officer, Tangled Roots Brewing Company. Hear an introduction to 4188, crafted from CL Farms malted barley, CL Hop Farms Centennial and Nugget hops and poured at Ottawa's Lone Buffalo restaurant & tasting room of Tangled Roots taproom as well as locally distributed since early this year. Here's your chance to find out what it takes to craft a truly local brew.
REGISTER NOW!! COST IS $100 per person to attend
Check-in begins at 8am (PRE-REGISTRATION ENCOURAGED, SEATS LIMITED) and includes 4188 'Farm to Foam' beer tasting & discussion. Cost includes catered lunch on site with the option of attending a 'working lunch' Expert Q&A panel of our speakers in a round-table session to answer your specific hop industry questions. Conference concludes by 4pm.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATIONS: We invite you spend some time in Starved Rock Country while you attend our inaugural Midwest Hop Conference LODGE ROOMS sell out fast, so book early Click here to check Availability
We also have reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate of $104/night by booking directly with another area hotel: (discount good if booked by 2/1/19)
Hampton Inn Ottawa (Starved Rock Area) 4115 Holiday Ln, Ottawa, IL 61350 Phone: (815) 434-6040