Idaho Passes Oregon in Hops Production

USDA’s NASS has released the latest figures on hop production.  The figures compiled from the 2017 harvest focuses on the three main northwest production states, Washington, Oregon and Idaho, which account for 98% of hop production in the U.S.  The USDA reports that hop acreage has increased 79.5% since 2012 while production jumped by 77% during the same time period.

And for the first time, Idaho has surpassed Oregon in production to become the number two hop state in the U.S, behind Washington.  The alpha to aroma/dual purpose hops ratio has shifted from approximately 50/50 in 2012 to 80/20 last year.  The yields of 2017 jumped up 14% from 2016, thanks to maturing “baby” hops as well as more favorable weather conditions.

While global hop demand appears to be on the rise thanks to burgeoning international craft beer, many industry leaders cautioned against additional acreage being added in 2018.  Industry leaders also encouraged brewers to continue contracting for forecasted hop needs but advised to do so cautiously and pragmatically given the unpredictability of craft consumer demand and the recent slow down of craft volume growth.

For additional NASS numbers visit the 2017 Stat Pack.

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