How did we put them up you ask??

Building the trellis

Well construction got underway this weekend. Bo and Cindy came up as well as David and Kristen. My two buddies Brian and Tom came over to help too. The first day we got rained on and snowed on, but things went pretty well. We had a slight delay when we broke some cotter pins. Day two started great the morning was sunny and things worked great at the bottom of the hill. At the top of the hill Bo and I dug two holes and broke the auger bit. I'm currently on broken auger delay. We have some good rocks left at the top of the hill from a glacier. The good rocks aren't so good for the auger. We currently have 45 poles in the ground and a new auger is on its way.

Management gave directions
Bo was often confused

That way!!

Dave did the philosophizing... and the pole dragging.

Don't worry, they need to be straightened yet.

Here We Go!!!

Today starts construction on the biggest trellis I've ever built. I've built 4 footers and a 6 footer. I even built what could be considered a 10 footer, but this is my first 2 acre.. er. I got poles.

and helpers

Now comes the sweat equity.

We are finally getting underway. With all the delays and changes I was beginning to get discouraged. Now things are lookin' up. Thanks to the engineering expertise of my dad, the fields are ready to begin trellis construction. And just in time too, because the poles are almost in Michigan as I type. They will be here this afternoon.

The paperwork came back today as well to make us an official LLC. We are Fresh Roots Organic Growers, LLC. Now we need to start working on a logo. Opinions on logo design are welcome.

The fields are laid out. My father came this weekend and we spent a day measuring and mowing the rows that the hops will be planted in. It sounds easy, but there was two acres to do and some heafty sumac and other small trees to get out of our way. On Wednesday I'm renting a tiller and then the fields are ready for poles. Good thing too, since they are showing up on Thursday!!! It's been a long wait, but the shippers gave me confirmation. We are now accepting workers for the assembly of the trellis.