Michigan State University Extension announced on Apr. 15 that it will hold a series of interactive Hop Chat Zoom meetings throughout the 2026 growing season, aiming to facilitate communication between hop producers and MSU faculty. The sessions are scheduled twice a month and will feature weather, crop, and pest updates from MSU Extension’s Rob Sirrine and Erin Lizotte. Other MSU faculty and specialists will also participate to discuss current issues and share research project updates.
The initiative is designed to provide hop growers with timely information while encouraging them to share their own field observations. Registration is free but required for participation in the series, which begins Thursday, May 7 at noon Eastern Time and continues every other week through Aug. 13. Recordings of each session will be available for those unable to attend live.
The program emphasizes accessibility by offering accommodations for persons with disabilities upon request before the event by contacting Rob Sirrine. “We strive to ensure our programs are open to all,” the announcement said.
Michigan State University Extension Agriculture addresses challenges in food, health, and the environment through education, research, and outreach as part of its public service mission according to the official website. The organization maintains facilities such as greenhouses, research farms, a dairy plant and store, meat lab, student organic farm, woodlot sanctuary areas, and horticultural gardens according to the official website.
With an enrollment of 3,735 students in undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs for fall 2021 according to the official website, Michigan State University Extension Agriculture aims “to foster a healthy world by educating students for a complex planet” while promoting sustainable agriculture practices according to the official website. The extension operates across Michigan through major research centers in every county according to the official website and collaborates with AgBioResearch scientists from eight MSU colleges on leading research initiatives according to the official website.
This work is supported by funding from the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program under grant no 2024-70006-43569 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
