U.S. Growers Expand Hops Area

WASHINGTON - Jun 10/08 - SNS -- The area in hops strung for harvest in 2008 for Washington, Oregon, and Idaho is forecast at 38,145 acres, 23% above the 2007 crop of 30,911 acres and 30% above 2006, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Washington, with 28,468 acres for harvest, accounts for 75% of the U.S. total acreage, 5,723 acres more than a year ago. Oregon hop growers plan to string 5,792 acres, or 15% of the U.S. total for 2008, with Idaho hop growers accounting for the remaining 10%, or 3,885 acres strung for harvest. Washington, Oregon, and Idaho increased their acreage from a year ago, 25%, 10%, and 34%, respectively.

Hop growth was a few weeks behind normal due to cold, wet conditions. Much of the established hops were halfway to the wire, but babies, in many cases, were well behind. Growers reported no concerns with water supplies this season.

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