Northwest District

The Grower's Panel, held in April 2023 during the Spring MBAA DNW Meeting, focused on the evolving challenges and adaptations in the agricultural sector, particularly in hop and barley production. Key discussions included labor shortages, changes in Washington State labor laws, and how Loza Farms is adapting through infrastructure updates and automation. The panel also addressed hop breeding objectives aimed at improving alpha cultivars and aroma/flavor profiles while ensuring pest resistance and storage stability, alongside the challenges faced by the malt barley supply chain in North America.