It’s that time of year again when hops harvest is in full swing, so expect a bunch of hop (and fresh hop) news and posts coming your way—starting with this one, featuring Bill Coleman of Coleman Agriculture in St. Paul, Oregon. Coleman was recently awarded the International Order of the Hop award, which only a few people earn every other year. Sounds a bit like knighthood for hops!

Press release:

Prestigious award presented by the International Hop Congress recognizes craft excellence

Coleman Agriculture’s fifth generation hop farmer, Bill Coleman, was recently awarded the prestigious “International Order of the Hop” award for excellence in his contributions to the craft, an honor that is earned by only a select few every other year. The award is presented by the International Hop Congress, an organization that advocates for the interests of hop growers and merchants globally.

The International Order of the Hop award was first given by John the Fearless in the 1300’s. A descendant of the French Royal Family, John the Fearless wanted to honor those “who contributed to the development and prosperity of the ‘noble’ plant, which is so important for beer production.”

“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.”

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

About Coleman Agriculture

Coleman Agriculture is a sixth-generation family farm located in St. Paul, Oregon, cultivating over 6,500 acres of the highest quality hops, hazelnuts, seed crops and a variety of vegetables. Selling directly to brokers and commercial partners, Coleman Agriculture continues to lead the industry through innovative thinking and modern practices, while maintaining family farm values. Learn more about Coleman Agriculture at www.colemanag.com.

I believe Bill Coleman is the gentleman on the right in the above image.