Hail relief and mitigation

Stormy Acres Hops is a family-run hop yard that has embarked on a journey to create their dream life in the countryside. Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city, they have set their roots in the country to grow hops for the craft brewing industry. Additionally, they have expanded their offerings to include hop soap and bitters, tapping into the holistic properties of hops. However, their aspirations have been dampened by devastating hailstorms that have hit their hop yard for two consecutive years. With no hail insurance coverage available for specialty crops like theirs, they have faced significant losses, impacting their ability to sustain their farm. To mitigate future damage, they have researched hail netting as a solution and are seeking support to purchase the netting and the necessary infrastructure. Their long-term goal is to create a self-sustainable farm that promotes smart environmental decisions, working harmoniously with the land and their animals.

Despite the challenges they have faced, Stormy Acres Hops has remained resilient and determined to bring their community together. They have actively participated in events like Alberta Open Farm days, inviting families to explore their farm, fostering discussions about beer, plants, and the importance of supporting local businesses. In the face of adversity, they have also collaborated with breweries for their harvest, handpicking hops and immediately transporting them to the kettle for brewing. To protect against future hailstorms, they plan to install the hail netting infrastructure after this year's harvest, aiming to safeguard their crops from the increasingly unpredictable summer storm cycle. By supporting Stormy Acres Hops and spreading the word about their soap products, individuals can contribute to their mission of creating a sustainable farm and living a fulfilling country life surrounded by nature.