Hops being harvested at Indian Ladder Farms

Indian Ladder Farms in New Scotland is typically associated with apple or berry picking. But Tuesday they were harvesting hops – a crucial ingredient for the beer industry.

Indian Ladder is 105 years old, but only started growing hops about 10 years ago.

“When the farm brewery law was passed in New York State, we jumped on that and started making hard cider and beer about five years ago,” co-owner Dietrich Gehhring said.

They say business is booming during the pandemic because people feel more comfortable outside, and they have many outdoor activities to offer.