Most hops in the United States are grown in the Pacific Northwest and Michigan, but Katie Kreuser sees great potential for hops as a specialty crop in Nebraska.

Kreuser is Nebraska Extension's hop program coordinator. Since April, she has been sharing University of Nebraska–Lincoln research and other information with Nebraska hops growers and the hops industry.

Every day Kreuser answers questions from growers about various aspects of hops production ranging from the proper way to plant them to weed and disease management to the optimal time for harvest. She also communicates about hops through Facebook, Twitter and her blog, The Nebraska Bine Times. Coordinating workshops and other educational events also is part of her duties.

"Building relationships across the state and helping growers be successful in hop production is really what drives me," she said. "It's really exciting that there's a lot of interest and growth in the Nebraska hops and craft beer markets."

For more information or to contact Kreuser:
402-267-2205; katie.kreuser@unl.edu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/unlhops
Twitter: @UNLhops
Blog: nebraskabinetimes.wordpress.com