16 | The first responses from brewers to the 2026 crop are encouraging. RURAL PEOPLE » Garston Hops ‘Beginning to see the increased production’ Russell Fredric Garston Hops is taking its Southland-grown crop from the family farm to craft breweries in New Zealand and international markets. Owned and run by James and Lizette McNamee, the Garston business grows and dries its own hops before having them pelletised by Freestyle Hops and marketing and selling them directly to breweries. Lizette says the 2025/26 season has reinforced the potential of the business, with both yield and quality improving as younger hop gardens mature. More hops were produced than the previous year while maintaining the quality standards the business is targeting. “We were very happy with both the yield and quality of the 2026 harvest. As our younger gardens mature, we are beginning to see the increased production we expected from them.” A wet spring created some challenges early in the growing season, but conditions settled into a more typical Southland pattern for the remainder of the season. Long summer daylight hours and high UV levels, combined with the region’s climate, soils and growing practices, contributed to strong results. The first responses from brewers to the 2026 crop are encouraging, with the harvest now beginning to reach breweries in New Zealand and around the world. Feedback so far has been positive, highlighting the distinctive character of the hops grown at Garston. “Brewers are finding that our hops have their own distinctive expression. Although we grow recognised New Zealand varieties, the same varieties grown in Garston can present differently from those grown elsewhere.” The business is taking a measured approach to its next stage. Some areas within existing gardens are still available for planting, but the priority is bringing current gardens towards maturity, improving systems and consistently producing the quality it wants to be known for. For Garston Hops, growth is not simply about planting more hectares. Increased production needs to be supported by quality, good people and the right long-term relationships with breweries. The coming season could bring a significant increase in yield as more of the existing plants and gardens mature. The team’s focus is now on managing that growth while protecting the quality and consistency for which Garston Hops wants to be known. “The challenge will be managing the increased volume well — from growing and harvesting through to drying, processing and finding the right markets — without compromising the standards we have set for ourselves.” Building an international business from a family farm in Garston has required learning well beyond growing the crop, including exporting, freight, compliance, international sales and navigating different brewing markets. The longer-term goal is to build a sustainable family business producing distinctive Southland hops for breweries that value provenance and traceability. Lizette explains their ambitions for both Garston Hops and the region. “We would love to see Southland recognised internationally as a genuine hop-growing origin with its own terroir and identity.” “If Garston Hops can help establish that reputation — and potentially create opportunities for a wider Southland hopgrowing community — that would be something of which we would be very proud.” “The challenge will be managing the increased volume well, from growing and harvesting through to drying.” General farming equipment manufacturing Repairs and maintenance Jet boat repairs and maintenance All engineering requirements. Repairs, Maintenance & Custom Builds. Proudly Supporting Garston Hops 03 248 5005 Contact Us diptoneng@outlook.com Reliable packaging and business supplies, backed by real support Work with a team that understands your applications, helps you choose the right products, and keeps your business running smoothly. 03 544 4450 sales@nzpackaging.nz Talk to a Specialist
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