U.S. Hops Crop Rebounding

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/08 - SNS -- Hop production in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 76.2 million pounds for 2008, up 27% from last year and 32% more than the 2006 crop, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Area strung for harvest, at 39,263 acres, is also 27% more than 2007. Yield is estimated at 1,942 pounds per acre for the Pacific Northwest, 7 pounds less than 2007.

Washington's yield is forecast at 2,020 pounds per acre for the 2008 crop, 29 pounds less than last year. Oregon's yield is forecast at 1,760 pounds per acre, down 51 pounds from 2007. In Idaho, yields are expected to average 1,630 pounds per acre, 213 pounds higher than a year ago. All three states are forecasting increases in total production from the 2007 crop.

This year's hop crop is mostly good. Weather conditions have been fairly good with adequate water supplies. There was some mildew pressure this season, but growers have been more aggressive in their control efforts. Pressure from mites has been fairly mild this year. Aphids are starting to emerge but can be adequately controlled. Harvest is expected to be underway by mid to late August. The concentrations of both aromas and alphas are mostly average at this time. With newly planted acreage higher than normal, baby hop yields could be a factor in this year's production. Reports are indicating mixed expectations for baby hops with one third excellent, one third good, and one third less than average.

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