USDA Forecasts More Hops

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/04 - SNS -- Hop production in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 55.5 million pounds for 2004, up 2% from last year but 5% less than the 2002 crop, according to the USDA's latest crop estimates.

Area strung for harvest, at 28,019 acres, is 2% below 2003 and 4% below the acreage strung for harvest two years ago. Yield is estimated at 1,982 pounds per acre for the Pacific Northwest, 79 pounds more than 2003 but 8 pounds less than 2002.

Washington's yield is forecast at 2,120 pounds per acre for the 2004 crop, 70 pounds more than last year. Oregon's yield is forecast at 1,700 pounds per acre, up 74 pounds from 2003. In Idaho, yields are expected to average 1,630 pounds per acre, 94 pounds higher than a year ago. Only Oregon is forecasting a decrease in total production from the 2003 crop.

Throughout the Pacific Northwest, conditions have been extremely hot and dry this summer. This is good for most super alpha varieties, but not as favorable for the Nuggets and aroma type varieties. However, water availability has not been an issue and powdery mildew has been minimal to nonexistent. Harvest should begin for some Oregon growers around mid-August, with the majority of other Pacific Northwest growers starting closer to August 25.

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