More Land in Hops

WASHINGTON - Jun 11/07 - SNS -- Land in hops strung for harvest in 2007 for Washington, Oregon, and Idaho is forecast at 31,032 acres, 6% more than the 2006 crop of 29,365 acres, and 5% more than the 2005 crop of 29,463 acres, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Washington accounts for 73% of the U.S. total with 22,749 acres for harvest, 1,217 acres more than a year ago. Oregon hop growers plan to string 5,177 acres, or 17% of the U.S. total for 2007, with Idaho hop growers accounting for the remaining 10%, or 3,106 acres strung for harvest. Compared with a year ago, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho acreage increased, 6%, 3%, and 11%, respectively.

In general, hops are one-third to half way to the wire, slightly ahead of normal due to early warm weather. Water supplies are expected to be adequate this season as there was ample snowfall during the winter. No serious disease concerns were reported and growers are expecting a good crop.

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