Today, the Smith family works together on all aspects of hop production—from growing and harvesting hops to maintaining machinery to bringing their product to market. The family’s legacy in agriculture continues with the next generation, including Ben’s sons, Ethan of Smith Valley Farms and Adam of Riverside Acres, who each operate their own farms while remaining closely connected to their dad and uncle’s roots in hop farming. “After 40 years in the business, watching the next generation in their own journey in hop farming has been gratifying” Dave added.

The Smiths are proud to provide a range of high quality Pacific Northwest hops to brewers – large and small – around the world, while adhering to high standards of sustainability. Since 2019, B&D Farms, Smith Valley Farms and Riverside Acres have been Global GAP Certified— proof of their commitment to growing hops the right way. Global GAP status is an internationally recognized accreditation that verifies the farms follow strict standards for food safety, environmental stewardship, worker health and safety, and sustainable agricultural practices. B&D has also received the coveted Cascade Cup in 2016, 2019, and  2022. Continuing the commitment to quality, Smith Valley Farms won the Cascade Cup in 2026. This annual competition started in 2013 by the Hop Quality Group showcases America’s best Cascade hops.

B&D operates at two farm locations in St. Paul with three Dauenhauer pickers, two dryers and a total of 11 drying floors. Since 2016, B&D has been a partner (with four other Oregon farms) in West Coast Hop Breeding, which develops hop varieties bred to succeed in Oregon’s soil and climate. Commercially released varieties include McKenzie and Celeste!

We hope that your next beer – be it a pilsner, a pale ale or a double IPA – is fresh and tasty. There’s a good chance it contains hops from B&D Farms.