Hops and Brewing

The hop industry is reeling from the announcement that two of its researchers were fired, thanks to the Administration's ongoing effort to trim federal spending.  Maggie Elliot, Science and Communication Director at the Washington Hop Commission and Hop Growers of America, said Hop Horticulturist Dr. Paco Gon...

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Hong Kong, scheduled for May 12th-16th.  Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in participating must apply by Thursday January 30th.   “This ...

Oregon’s Brewers Guild says 2024 was one of the worst years ever for the craft beer industry.  Guild President and Brewmaster Sam Pecoraro said the economic impact is felt throughout the state.   “The brewing industry in Oregon supports 50,000 jobs, and a lot of those jobs are agriculture related. We’re the second or third...

On Wednesday, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture announced that applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant.   ISDA anticipates receiving over $2 million from the USDA for projects that enhance the competitiveness of Idaho specialty crops.  Th...

On Monday, the USDA announced that specialty crop producers have an additional two days to apply for assistance to help offset higher marketing and production costs.  FSA increased the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program payment limit from $125,000 to $900,000 per operation.   ...

Now that the New Year has come and gone, the Washington State Department of Agriculture is reminding residents now is the time to sign up for Japanese Beetle treatments.  In the coming days, the WSDA will send out Japanese beetle treatment consent letters.  The Dep...

Hop production across the U.S. totaled 87.1 million pounds this year, down 16% year over year.  According to NASS, total acres harvested nationwide totaled 44,793 in 2024, which is down 18% from last year.  Harvested acreage decreased in each of the Northwest states; a trend the industry has reported since 2022.   Washington r ... Read More ...

According to NASS, the inventory of hops held by growers, dealers, and brewers on September 1st totaled 139 million pounds, up 7% from September 1, 2023 stocks inventory of 130 million pounds.  Stocks held at dealer and grower locations on September 1, 2024 totaled 116 million pounds.  Stocks ...

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has expanded the Japanese beetle quarantine in the south-central portion of the state.  The original quarantine was established in 2022 and included 49 square miles in the Grandview area.  But, be...

It’s not just the state of Washington that is on the lookout for the Japanese beetle.   The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is again conducting a full-court press against the Japanese beetle.  This invasive pest is highly destructive, and feeds on more than 300 different commodities, such as hops, roses, grapes and more.   ISDA is cur...