hops

With harvest ramping up across the region, the Washington State Tree Fruit Association has a message for all growers, workers, or anyone in the orchard: "Be on the lookout for Japanese beetle."

Oregon has reclaimed the #2 spot in the nation when it comes to hop production. According to USDA, Oregon hop growers strung 5,421 acres in 2025, moving past Idaho which strung 5,109 acres.

The growing season is just getting started, but there are already concerns that it could be difficult year for producers in central Washington.  Scott Ravell, manager of the Roza Irrigation District said the Yakima Valley is dealing with some difficult economic conditions.   “...

According to NASS, the inventory of hops held by growers, dealers, and brewers on March 1st totaled 173 million pounds, down 6% from March 1, 2024 numbers, which had a stocks inventory of 184 million pounds.       Stocks held at dealer and grower locations to start the month totaled 150 million pounds.  Stocks held by br...

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...

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 ...