Hops Area Rises in United States

WASHINGTON - Jun 10/05 - SNS -- Area strung for harvest in 2005 for Washington, Oregon, and Idaho is forecast at 29,189 acres, 5% more than the 2004 crop of 27,742 acres, and 2% more than the 2003 crop of 28,669 acres, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

Washington, with 20,807 acres for harvest, accounts for 71% of the U.S. total acreage, 1,425 acres more than a year ago. Oregon hop growers plan to string 5,105 acres or 18% of the U.S. total.

Idaho growers accounted for the remaining 11% (3,277 acres). Idaho growers increased their hop acreage over last year by 1%, while Washington acreage increased by 7%. Oregon's acreage was virtually unchanged from a year ago.

There are drought concerns this year, although at this time water supplies have not affected crop development. Grower concerns will increase as the season progresses into the hotter months. Disease concerns are about average.

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