Rick & Lisa Dennis of Argyle Craft Malts & Hops, Argyle
1. How would you describe your business and/or products?
We operate a very diverse farm, we started planting Christmas trees about 7 years ago and started to sell them and wreaths last year, We put in a 1.2 acre hop yard a little over 3 years ago to sell hops to local breweries, We also plant around 40 acres of barley and wheat which we then malt in our malthouse and also sell to local breweries. Later this summer we are opening a Brewery on site and will have a taproom to go along with it.
2. Why do you choose Washington County for your farm?
I like to think that Washington County chose me. I am very fortunate to be the 4th generation to be here on the farm, my sons are 5th and grandkids are 6th. Washington County has a long history of innovation and diversity on the farms in the county.
3. What has surprised you most OR challenged you most as a farmer?
Over my life, I have seen the average person knowing less about farming and the challenges that go along with it, this has challenged me and my family to try to introduce and educate the public about what we do.
4. Why should someone buy your products?
Because they're awesome!! This has to be our attitude, there are so many different products and companies out there that are fighting for consumers time and money, so we have to be our own biggest fan, and show what makes buying from us the wise choice.
5. Is there are a particular moment, memory or achievement in your farm or business that stands out for you?
When we started selling hops and malts our original marketing plan was to send flyers, email and phone potential customers. However, it wasn’t until I started personally dropping off the sample and having conversations with brewers that the sales took off. This let me know that even in a world of technology, face to face relationships are still very important to people.
6. What is something people would be surprised to know about growing the ingredients for beer?
Hops are perennial, they grow vertical until the summer solstice ( June 21) and then they branch and put on fruit. (hops).
Last updated July 26, 2019