John I. Haas Inc., since 1977 part of Bart-Haas Group, the global leader in the hop industry, announced today the successful launch of its new hop farm and harvest facility located in Washington’s Wenas Valley, only 8 miles north of the city of Yakima. This development represents a major expansion of the company’s hop-growing operations.
The newly established farm, named Longmire Ranch after the historic Longmire home on the property, will begin its operations by harvesting a limited amount of acreage this season. The facility is equipped with cutting-edge hop-picking technology designed to improve efficiency and preserve the quality of the hops.
Pete Mahony, Vice President of Supply Chain and Purchasing at John I. Haas, reflected on the smooth execution of the project, stating, "The startup has gone very well. From the initial concept to the first harvest, this has been a rewarding journey for everyone involved. It's a strategic investment that will benefit both the company and our customers for years to come."
Longmire Ranch is set to complement the company’s existing farm in Toppenish, WA, by offering a visitor-friendly environment for brewing industry professionals. It also incorporates sustainable growing methods while benefiting from its location in the isolated Wenas Valley, which reduces exposure to pests, viruses, and pressure on local water resources.
Haas CEO Tom Davis expressed his enthusiasm for this new venture: "We’re thrilled to add this new chapter to our company’s legacy. The Longmire Ranch will be crucial in helping us continue our mission to deliver top-quality hops and advanced hop products to brewers around the world from our base in Washington."