A Certified Naturally Grown Farm - Saint Marys, Pennsylvania
In The News
We’ve been very honored to share our story via a number of news outlets. Give a read or take a listen!
From A to C | The Connection Between Agriculture and Conservation with Senator Bob Casey – March 12, 2024
Joshua took part in this webinar hosted by the Conservation Voters of PA, with keynote speaker Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).
“Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. Senator Casey joined us for a comprehensive discussion on the intricate connection between conservation and agriculture in Pennsylvania. Together, we explored the impact of the Farm Bill on local conservation efforts, reviewed climate-smart agricultural practices and programs, and gained insights into the latest developments on Capitol Hill.”
Our Involvement In Agriculture In The PA Wilds Region Is Bigger Than Us! – December 18, 2023
When our Farmer moved back from Colorado to Pennsylvania in 2009, the intent was not solely for the creation of a family-owned, independent Farm. Helping build awareness of, and expanding sustainable and regenerative agriculture efforts and initiatives was also in the cards. A step in that direction came in 2015 when Joshua joined the Board of Headwaters Charitable Trust.
“The craft brewing industry in Pennsylvania ranks third for the number of craft breweries nationwide and second in the production of craft beer. A survey of Pennsylvania craft brewers, conducted by Penn State, found more than 51% of craft brewers surveyed were somewhat or extremely likely to purchase locally grown hops for their beer production. One such grower for the craft beer industry is Joshua Brock owner of Hoffman Appalachian [Hops] Farm and Headwaters board member. Joshua started his operation in 2015 and has continued to make strides in establishing his business. Hops farming takes a lot of work but can provide specific economic opportunities to both grower and brewer. Read about his journey on establishing his hops farm in St Marys, PA here.”
New Brewery Exclusive Now Available – November 30, 2023
Courtesy of Straub Brewery, Inc. | November 30, 2023 Newsletter
The next installment in our Brewery Exclusive Series is St. Marys Keller Ale!
St. Marys Keller Ale is a spin on the classic style of Kellerbier from Franconia, Germany. Combining our lager brewing heritage with ale yeast instead of the traditional lager yeast we’ve created a smooth drinking beer with some fruity esters that compliment the mild bitterness of locally grown Cascade and Nugget Hops from Hoffman Appalachian Farm.
This brew is 5.5% ABV, unfiltered, unpasteurized and must be purchased cold and kept cold. Only available in 24 loose bottles, 6pks and draft at our Brewery Retail Store and at Straub Brewery Visitor Center & Tap Room.
Hoffman Appalachian Farm selected as one of eight finalists in the “2023 PA Wilds $50K BIG IDEA Contest Finale Event” – June 7, 2023
“Josh Brock of Hoffman Appalachian Farm Visits Rotary” – Rotary Club of Saint Marys PA, November 4, 2015
“This week the St. Marys Rotary Club welcomed Josh Brock of Hoffman Appalachian Farm. Josh and his family run the farm out on Taft Road and they grow hops there.”
“Hoffman Hangs Hopes On Hops” – The Courier Express – September 20, 2015
“Clad in a weathered Penn State shirt, muddy work boots, and a face full of rebellious bristles, Josh Brock doesn’t look like the typical entrepreneur.
But he’s as passionate as any in describing his new endeavor, Hoffman Appalachian Farm.
In his second year of working the fields surrounding his childhood home on Taft Road in St. Marys, his modest hop yard is set to expand from 30 to 400 plants in the next year – a level of growth that still doesn’t begin to meet demand.”
Straub Beer Newsletter – July 2015
“There’s not much better than a cold refreshing Straub that is brewed right here in Pennsylvania, except perhaps for a Straub Beer that has been brewed with locally grown hops. In 2014 Joshua Brock broke ground on his own hop farm in Saint Marys, PA, home of Straub Brewery.”
Saint Marys Local Sourcing
About Hoffman Appalachian Farm
“Brock’s Career Influenced By Love of Farming” – St. Marys Daily Press, 2014
“‘Through his current position as an IT Coordinator for Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO) in Spring Mills, St. Marys native Joshua Brock is able to combine his love of organic farming, database design and Macintosh computers. “We are a USDA-accredited organic certifier with clients in nine states and the District of Columbia. A large portion of our clientele are Amish farmers and processors,’ Brock said.”
