'Why not' grow hops near Beer City USA?

HICKORY CORNERS, Mich. (WOOD) - Breweries have become so popular in Grand Rapids that it is now dubbed Beer City USA -- but local breweries have to buy much of their product from other states.

The State of Washington brought in $200 million from selling hops -- used in making beer -- last year alone. Michigan's climate is good for growing hops, meaning local farmers could be bringing in that money.

The Right Place, a Grand Rapids economic development agency, was recently granted $20,000 from the State of Michigan to study the potential of growing more hops in Michigan. One local brewery and local hop farmers say more hops could mean more money and jobs for the state.

Bonnie and Jeff Steinman grow hops at their Hickory Corners farm in Barry County. The Steinmans put in a hop yard on a plot that used to grow soy beans. They started selling the hops three years ago.

They said their farm -- Hop Head Farms -- is already growing. In the last year, they have added about 30 acres of hops and doubled their workforce.

"We felt like it was worthwhile because everything we had was sold," Bonnie explained to 24 Hour News 8.

The Steinmans said the study into growing hops in Michigan is a good investment for the state because it will help build the industry here, giving it political, educational and financial gains.  

Local breweries agree.

Nick Humphrey, the co-owner of The Hideout Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, said there is a shortage of specialty hops. He currently has to wait 18 months for them.

"The conditions are right, so why not grow them here?" he questioned. "I've had a number of people ask me, 'Do you ever think about buying Michigan hops for your beers?' And I think about it every day, but there's just very few available."

The Right Place said the study will start sometime this year and help determine if more state money is poured into this industry.