(NewPressRelease.com)

When you think of beer that has been honed and crafted in the United States, to where do your thoughts originally turn? Possibly Seattle or maybe Portland? Maybe you even think of Colorado. Maine has even returned to the spotlight in recent years; however, Michigan breweries are steadily becoming known for the varieties of different hops they are producing. Michigan has become home to a vivacious beer industry and it goes much deeper than folks simply brewing some beer in their garage. Michigan is poised to make significant growth in the beer brewing industry. With Michigan's economy in the downturned position it has been in for some time now, any type of industry with promise is worth consideration.

The majority of hops come from Europe. They are considered as noble hops because they are grown in areas that have been cultivated for centuries. This has sparked an interest in change, and many people are creating their own locally grown ingredients. The problem is not with the wheat and the barley; however, trying to grow hops in certain areas does not always work.

For the longest time, American hops have been grown in several different locations, but Maine and New York have been the best known growing locations. The problems of prohibition and a horrible growing season during the 1800s were the most significant reasons that ended this area's reign as the area to grow hops. It was not until the early 2000s that American hops began to make a comeback in the United States.

The area on the northeast was the first to take off due to the ideal climate and soil. The northern states on the west coast are also prime hops growing areas. Michigan entered soon after these other states and has made giant strides in beer brewing since.

Due to the growing number of Michigan breweries, hops became a prime crop in order to be able to supply local ingredients to the breweries. Purchasing hops, even from other states, can be quite costly, so growing locally just makes sense. It costs much less to purchase hops from local growers, so the markup for the sale of the beer is not as high as most, making many beer lovers in the state of Michigan very happy.

Currently, there are not enough hops growers to supply all of Michigan's breweries; however, due to the demand, this industry is still growing. In order to supply all of Michigan's breweries with the hops they require, about four hundred acres are required; however, only about ninety acres are currently producing crops of hops within the state. The three main growers of hops in the state are trying to get word to farmers across the state that the growing of hops in the state of Michigan is indeed a viable crop. The more industries that can be brought to Michigan to stabilize their near failing economy, the better. The growing of hops to supply needed ingredients to local breweries could very well be the boost that Michigan needs.

Visit Michigan breweries by joining the bus, bike or walking tours of Motorcitybrewtours.com. Make beer drinking a more social and fun experience by participating in these local breweries tours.