Two Oregon Hop Farmers earn prestigious “International Order of the Hop” Award
Two Oregon hop farmers recently received one of the hop industry’s greatest honors.
This past July the International Hop Congress gathered in Prague for their 58th annual industry convention that advocates for the interests of hop growers and merchants globally. Industry leaders presented and showcased the latest in innovation and challenges in hop farming, processing, and supply chain. They also handed out the prestigious “International Order of the Hop” award for excellence in contributions to the craft; think of it as being knighted by the queen of hops.
Instituted by John the Fearless, who was born in 1371 at Dijon, the son of Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy and King of Brabant, the Order of the Hop was intended as a mark of distinction and honor for those who contributed to the development and prosperity of the “noble” plant, which is so important for beer production. The Order of John the Fearless continues to be conferred in the 21st Century on the descendants of those who received the honor in 14th Century.
The Order of the Hop is presented only every other year to a select few advocates for the interests and education of growers and merchants globally, who contribute to the prosperity of the ‘noble’ plant essential to beer production. To be considered for the award, those nominated must be leading industry hop growers, brewers, teachers, or drinkers of good beer. Nominations are made by hop growers and submitted to the Hop Growers of America Board of Directors for final selection.
Two Oregon hop farmers were inducted into the Order of the Hop:
St. Paul, Oregon’s fifth generation hop farmer, Bill Coleman, of Coleman Agriculture.
Salem, Oregon’s fourth generation hop farmer, Doug Weathers, of Sodbuster Farms.
5th generation hop farmer Bill Coleman of Coleman Agriculture
Bill Coleman began his industry career in 1964 and has since served on the Hop Growers of America Board, designed his own balers to maximize efficiency, and was one of the first to utilize cooling tunnels in the storeroom to improve quality and reduce hop drying times.
“I’m so honored to receive this prestigious award for what has been my life-long passion,” said Bill Coleman. “It is a true privilege to be recognized among an international group of the best hop growers and bring home the ‘gold ‘for all of us in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest and my family at Coleman Agriculture. “
Through the expertise and influence of Bill Coleman, Coleman Agriculture is today the largest producer of hops in the state of Oregon. The company is recognized as an industry innovator, uniquely balancing modern farming technologies with proven practices that create new opportunities for brewers and the regional farming community.
“All of us at Coleman Agriculture are proud to be a part of the industry success and legacy that Bill pioneered,” said David Henze, president of Coleman Agriculture. “We’re known for the quality and diversity of our hops, and we’ll continue to cultivate his wisdom to support brewers in creating their best beers.”
Doug Weathers (center) accepting the International Order of the Hop award in Prague
Doug Weathers, 4th generation hop farmer at Sodbuster Farms, Inc and Yakima Chief Hops grower-owner, has been a dedicated leader in the U.S. hop community, pioneering a way forward for many farms through his commitment and support of advancing the hop industry.
Doug was awarded the 1st Order of the Hop at the International for his lifelong service to progressing the hop industry, bringing farm entities together in collaboration and helping launch the Crystal hop variety into the craft brewing market.
He was able to form a Hood River Lunch Club, an informal gathering of growers that broke down old barriers to work together in the best interest of the hop industry, which would later evolve into the U.S Hop Industry Plant Protection Committee. Weathers' contributions are lengthy, meaningful and to the benefit to all working to cultivate a healthy, sustainable and quality hop industry for brewers around the globe.
