U.S. Hops Area Slips 2%

WASHINGTON - Jun 9/06 - SNS -- Area strung for harvest in 2006 for Washington, Oregon, and Idaho is forecast at 28,928 acres, 2% less than the revised 2005 crop of 29,463 acres but 4% more than the 2004 crop of 27,742 acres, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Washington, with 21,115 acres for harvest, strung 102 acres more than last year's revised acreage. Washington accounts for 73% of the U.S. total acreage. Oregon hop growers plan to string 5,036 acres or 17% of the U.S. total for 2006, with Idaho hop growers accounting for the remaining 10%, or 2,777 acres strung for harvest.

Oregon and Idaho growers decreased their hop acreage from last year by 2% and 16%, respectively, while Washington acreage increased by less than 1%.

Aroma hops are mostly halfway to the wire, while alphas are one quarter to one third to the wire. Water supplies are expected to be adequate this season, as precipitation was good this winter and spring.

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