Significant Gain in Hops Output

WASHINGTON - Aug 12/16 - SNS -- Hop production in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is forecast at 91.8 million pounds for 2016, up 16% from last year's 78.8 million pounds, according to the USDA's latest estimate for the crop.

Area harvested, at 50,883 acres, is up 17% from 2015. Yield is forecasted at 1,804 pounds per acre, down 3 pounds from 2015. If realized, Idaho's production would be a record high.

Yields across the Pacific Northwest are expected to be average on most varieties. Many baby yards in Washington and Idaho are exceptional, with yields between 50 and 100% of mature yields expected. Unusually hot April temperatures encouraged substantial pre-training growth, and may result in some alpha varieties yielding below average. Temperatures were more normal in June and July. Water supplies are adequate.

Hop Area Harvested, Yield, and Production - States and United States: 2015 and
Forecasted August 1, 2016
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              :    Area harvested     :    Yield per acre     :      Production
     State    :-----------------------------------------------------------------------
              :   2015    :   2016    :   2015    :   2016    :   2015    :   2016
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              :  ------ acres -----       ----- pounds ----     --- 1,000 pounds ---
              :
Idaho ........:   4,863       5,586       1,794       1,800      8,724.9    10,054.8
Oregon .......:   6,612       7,709       1,613       1,580     10,667.8    12,180.2
Washington ...:  32,158      37,588       1,849       1,850     59,453.3    69,537.8
              :
United States :  43,633      50,883       1,807       1,804     78,846.0    91,772.8
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