U.S. Hop Production Advances

WASHINGTON - Dec 18/07 - SNS -- Hop production managed to advance 4% in the United States this year, helping alleviate shortages which have plagued the North American beer industry, according to the USDA.

Production for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington in 2007 totaled 60.3 million pounds, up 4% from the 2006 crop of 57.7 million pounds and 14% above the 2005 production of 52.9 million pounds. Idaho's production decreased 9% in 2007. Production in Washington and Oregon increased 4% and 8%, respectively.

Acreage in 2007 was up in all three States with a 5% increase overall. Yields decreased slightly in Washington to 2,049 pounds per acre, and increased in Oregon to 1,811 pounds per acre. Due to an increase in the presence of "babies", Idaho yields dropped to 1,417 pounds per acre, 196 pounds less than a year ago.

Washington growers produced 77% of the U.S. hop crop for 2007. Zeus, Columbus/Tomahawk, Willamette, and Galena were the leading varieties in Washington, accounting for 71% of the State's hop crop. In Oregon, Willamette and Nugget were the major varieties, accounting for 79% of the State's hop production.

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