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| Courtesy of Hop Growers of America |
U.S. hop growers increase acreage for sixth straight year, production for four
MOXEE,
WA – December 19, 2016 – As craft continues to demand more aroma hops,
acreage and production alike increased yet again this year, while
average yields per acre continue to decline largely due to new acreage
and lower yielding varieties growing in share. Still, the 2016 hop
harvest saw an increase of 8.3 million more pounds, 87.1 million total,
of U.S. hops set for brew kettles around the globe.
According to the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) report released December 16,
production increased 11% in 2016, rising in all three major producing
states of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Earlier this year, the USDA
estimated a 16% increase (91.8 million total rather than 8.3), yet that
was calculating only a 3 pound drop in pounds per acre on production
despite an estimate of the new acreage being approximately 70% lower
yielding popular aromas. Ultimately, 2016 saw a 94 pound drop in
production on pounds per acre.
“While
some varieties – most notably bittering hop CTZ – didn’t fare as well
due to mildew and climatic pressure, brewers are putting in orders for
hops that have exciting aromas, but simply do not yield as much per
acre,” said Blake Crosby, Vice President of Hop Growers of America and
President of Crosby Hop Farm, LLC. “As an industry we are happy to plant
these, but more acres are required to deliver the same amount, pound
for pound.”
As
for meeting the growing demand for breweries, USA Hops is optimistic
with the majority of the acreage increase going to high-demand aromas
and the USDA NASS stock reports
continuing to rise (meaning hops carried over from the previous
harvest). Thanks to a long shelf life, hops harvested in 2015 are still
great options for brewers.
“As
the changing landscape of the hop and brewing industries adjust
together, both are working simultaneously to ensure they are
communicating effectively through contracts,” said Ann George, Executive
Director of Hop Growers of America. “Our growers are working hard to
meet what can feel like an insatiable demand.”
“Time
will tell when we get later in the year if enough was contracted and
planted,” said Crosby. “The line between under and oversupply is a fine
one, and it’s not good for anyone – growers and brewers – if it is
crossed. People can tend to forget this is an agricultural product that
only comes once a year, and a specialty one at that, which requires much
planning and preparation. Overall, as an industry we feel good about
2016, but we’ve already moved on and are working on 2017.”
Hop Growers of America
(HGA) promotes American grown hops to brewers and industry both
domestically and internationally. HGA facilitates conversations between
growers, merchants, and brewers, providing statistical reports to the
industry and education on the quality, variety, and tradition of U.S.
grown hops. For more information, visit: www.usahops.org/
HGA
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, or marital or familial status.
