If you are in NY, get a hold of
NeHA as others have said. They are a grower's organization.
For Cornell/extension help, contact Steve Miller at (315) 684-3001x127 or email at <sgm6 "at" cornell.edu>.
As far as what you need? Cruise through my past posts and you will find a lot of information but here's a quick list for a 1 acre hopyard:
- 1+ acre of suitable land
- $10,000 for poles, hardware, cable, plant material, fertilizer, irrigation, coir twine, etc.
- a well or other water source (up to $8,000)
- tractor or other method for dragging around the mobile tower you will need to access the top of the twine
- shovels, hoes, a strong back and other implements of destruction to weed
- about 20 hours a week from March until harvest to weed, apply nutrient, scout for pests, etc. After two years, the cover crop should be established and weeding will be easier
- At least 6 friends to help harvest the first year, 10+ friends to help harvest the 2nd year
- An oast to dry the hops. Figure $1,000 to $2,000 for lumber and fan.
- By year 3, a lot of labor or a mechanical harvester (if you are buying, figure $10,000 or more)
- Patience. Even if you do everything right, it will be at least 3 to 4 before you break even.
And the most important thing you will need is customers. The days of "buy these just because they are local" are over. If you don't provide a properly packaged and tested product in a form brewers want to use, you probably won't make the sale.