Larger Hops Crop Seen

WASHINGTON - Aug 10/07 - SNS -- The 2007 hop production forecast for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is 60.6 million pounds, up 5% from last year and 14% more than the 2005 crop, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Area strung for harvest, at 31,032 acres, is 6% more than 2006 and 5% above two years ago. Yield is forecast at 1,952 pounds per acre for the Pacific Northwest, down 12 pounds from 2006 but 156 pounds more than 2005.

Washington's yield is forecast at 2,080 pounds per acre, up 22 pounds from a year ago. Oregon's yield is forecast at 1,720 pounds per acre, down 37 pounds from 2006. In Idaho, yields are expected to average 1,400 pounds per acre, 213 pounds lower than a year ago.

Throughout the Pacific Northwest, the weather has been favorable with ample water supplies reported. Mildew presence is average and mostly under control. Aroma hop condition has been rated as average with alphas faring slightly better than in previous years. Harvest should be underway by mid to late August.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here