The goal of Dr. Van Nocker’s research is to identify and develop apple cultivars specifically suited for making hard cider in Michigan. Premium hard cider relies on specialty cultivars, which contain very high levels of acids, sugars and/or tannins. Traditional hard cider apple cultivars were mostly developed in Europe, where growing conditions can be very different than those in Michigan. He hopes to produce an assortment of cultivars that are reliable producers, easy for growers to manage and that stay free of disease. 

Learn more about this exciting research.

Pruning is an important agronomic practice that can have a major impact on hop yield and quality. Methods and timing of pruning will depend upon grower preference, irrigation placement and practice, cultivar, vigor of the yard, yard age, latitude and location, timing, disease severity from the previous season, and seasonal growing conditions after the operations. Read the full article here.

Jenelle Jagmin of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council gave a presentation at the Michigan Small Town and Rural Development Conference, May 16-18. The presentation focused on Michigan’s unique agricultural contributions to craft beverage production, the significant positive impacts craft beverage businesses have on Michigan communities, and ways regional economic development partners can support and attract breweries, cideries, wineries, and craft distilleries.

The audience was encouraged to share examples of craft beverage impacts from their communities, resulting in lively and fun discussions.

If you are interested in having a similar presentation in your network or would like to share a personal story of craft beverage and community, please contact Jenelle at jagminj@michigan.gov.