Above, Whitefish area farmer Tom Christianson examines one of the varieties in hops trials at Tom Britz’s ranch south of Whitefish Wednesday afternoon. Christianson has been helping with the trial project, which is in its first year. Among those who took part in a tour were representatives with the Montana Department of Agriculture and from Great Northern Brewing Co. in Whitefish and Tamarack Brewing Co. in Lakeside. Both breweries have helped sponsor the trials because they are interested in a locally grown ingredient.