Hops Production Improving

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/14 SNS -- Hops production in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 72.3 million pounds for 2014, up 4% from last year's 69.3 million pounds, according to the USDA's latest crop production forecast.

Area strung for harvest, at 38,392 acres, is up 9% from 2013. Yield is estimated at 1,882 pounds per acre, 87 pounds less than 2013.

Hop growers in the region reported adequate availability of irrigation water. There was sustained heat during July, causing reports of some variability in yield and quality. In Washington, the Aroma variety yield reports were mixed, while they were above average for Alpha varieties. Growers reported increased mite and mildew pressure in some areas.

Hop Area Harvested, Yield, and Production - States and United States: 2013 and
Forecasted August 1, 2014
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              :    Area harvested     :    Yield per acre     :      Production
     State    :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
              :   2013    :   2014    :   2013    :   2014    :   2013    :   2014
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              :  ------ acres -----       ----- pounds ----     --- 1,000 pounds ---
              :
Idaho ........:   3,376       3,812       1,741       2,165      5,876.0     8,253.0
Oregon .......:   4,786       5,559       1,786       1,570      8,549.1     8,727.6
Washington ...:  27,062      29,021       2,029       1,905     54,918.8    55,285.0
              :
United States :  35,224      38,392       1,969       1,882     69,343.9    72,265.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------