This week's episode of Beer Sessions Radio (TM) with Jimmy Carbone and Ray Deter is all about Hops & Homebrewers. Tune in as they talk with hop grower John Segal who breaks down the ins and outs of growing the essential beer crop including varieties and freshness. William Bostwick & Jessi Rymill, authors of "Beer Craft" stop by the show to talk about home brewing and DIY culture. Also on the show, Chris O'Leary of Brew York, New York. Beer Sessions Radio (TM) is brought to you by GreatBrewers.com

John Conzella of Condzella's Farm and T.J. Smolka of the Chelsea Brewing Company are in the studio talking beer farming and science! Mary Izett and Chris Cuzme are back on this week's Fuhmentaboudit! to talk about the New York state hop industry. Tune in to hear about John's recent successful Kickstarter campaign, and what it means for hop harvesting on Long Island. Learn about New York's history as a major hop producer! Later, T.J. explains how to harvest yeast from homebrews! What is the difference between washing and rinsing yeast? And how many times can you re-use yeast? Extract yeast from your homemade beers, and brew long and prosper! This episode has been sponsored by Fairway Market.

"About 100 years ago, hops were king in New York. New York produced 80% of the nation's hops" [5:15]

"Homebrewing is where it starts. It's the root of beer culture out here in New York. It's important to me to get hops in the hands of homebrewers." [9:45]

-- John Condzella on Fuhmentaboudit!

"The thing you want to move your yeast into should be a de-oxignated and nutrient-free material." [25:30]

-- T.J. Smolka on Fuhmentaboudit!

Welcome to the first installment of The Farm Report's "Growing Beer" special. In this series, your host, Erin Fairbanks, is investigating beer as a value-added, agricultural product. On this episode, Erin is talking beer basics with Mary Izett, President of the New York City Homebrewers Guild and founder of the website, My Life on Craft. Erin and Mary list and explore all of the ingredients of beer- from alpha acids to yeast. Hear about the different roles of the various components of beer. What dictates the fruity or spicy components of beer? Later, Erin and Mary list the different steps in the brewing process. Learn about the importance of temperature and air control in the fermentation process. Hear about how the beer-making processes differ depending on whether the brewer intends to bottle it or put it in a keg. Jeanne Hodesh, the GrowNYC Greenmarket publicity coordinator, calls in at the end of the episode for a Market Update! Hear about Buzzard Crest Vineyards grapes, as well as the wealth of apples coming into the city's greenmarkets! This episode has been brought to you by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

"Hops do three major things. One: they add bittering compounds that balance out the malty sweetness of the beer. Two: they're a preservative. Three: they provide a lot of aroma and flavor." -- Mary Izett on The Farm Report