Sodbuster Farms

The Weathers family's connection to hops spans nearly a century, beginning in the 1920s, when Great-Grandpas Kerr and Weathers first planted the crop that would shape the future generations. The legacy grew as Don and Rosalie Weathers raised not only hops but also 6 children in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Beyond hops, the Weathers family supported the hop industry by producing twine, supplying machinery parts, and supporting scientific research in hop breeding, all efforts that strengthen the industry beyond their own bines.

In 1983, Don and Rosalie's son Doug, along with his wife Audrey, founded Sodbuster Farms on the family's original 100 hectares in Salem, Oregon. What began as a continuation of tradition quickly evolved into a modern hop operation, expanding to 500 hectares and more than 18 hop varieties. Today, leadership has passed to the fifth generation, with daughter Erica, her husband Jake, and their three children carrying the farm forward as Lakeside Ranches. Their involvement ensure that the knowledge, values, and passion cultivated through previous generations remain central to the farm's future.

Sodbuster Farms is defined by its dedication to quality, sustainability, and community. The farm has earned widespread recognition for its responsible practices, including participating in the Yakima Chief's Green Chief® Program, Global G.A.P., Salmon Safe®, and awards such as the Cascade Cup.

The Sodbuster and Lakeside teams enjoy connecting with brewers and providing premium-quality hops for innovative, delicious beers, including the fresh-hop ales that seasonally define the region.