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Hop Acreage and Production Continue to Decrease

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Technical Brewing Projects Director

Chuck joined the Brewers Association staff in 2013 after a long career as a craft brewer. He opened Tennessee’s first brewpub, Boscos, in 1992. As an owner and director of brewery operations for Boscos Brewing Company, he opened additional brewpubs in Memphis, Nashville, and Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2007, Chuck opened and operated Ghost River Brewing in Memphis. He has served as chair of the Association of Brewers Board of Advisors, chair of the Association of Brewers Board of Directors, and was a member of the first Board of Directors for the Brewers Association. In his capacity as technical brewing projects manager, Chuck works with the Technical Committee and the safety, sustainability, quality, draught beer quality, engineering, and supply chain subcommittees to encourage and facilitate best practices in all phases of Brewers Association members' brewery operations.

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The United Stated Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Statistics Services (USDA NASS) has published their 2025 National Hop Report. The report details hop production (pounds), area harvested (acres), yield (pounds per acre), and value of production for major hop varieties in the three major hop producing states, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

In response to continued oversupply and weak beer sales volume, acres harvested and total production continued the downward trend that began in 2022:

  • Total hop production in 2025 was 83 million pounds, down 5% from 2024.
  • Harvested acres in 2025 declined 7%, with decreases in all three states.
  • Idaho had the largest percentage decrease in average at 12%. Washington showed the largest overall decrease in acreage with slightly more than 2,000 fewer acres harvested.
  • Yield per ace was up slightly from 2025 to 1,996 pounds per acre. Organic hops experienced a 15% decrease in acres harvested but saw a 19% increase yield per acre.

Outliers

Most individual varieties experienced declines in acreage and production close to the overall averages. Notable exceptions were the popular aroma variety Citra®, with production increases in all three states, and Cascade, which continued a significant decline. Production of Cascade in Washington has dropped over 40% since 2023. For complete details access the USDA NASS National Hop Report.

Key Takeaway

The recent downward trend in acres harvested and overall production has begun to reverse the large overage of hops in inventory that peaked in 2022. As acres are taken out of production and growing decisions are being made, it is even more important for brewers to clearly communicate their needs to growers and merchants, primarily through contracted commitments. In this way brewers can be assured that they will be able to procure the quality, and more importantly, the varieties of hops they need to brew their beers.

For more information on contracting hops and other brewing ingredients, check out Contracting for Brewers: Insights and Best Practices.

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Link to author biography
Technical Brewing Projects Director

Chuck joined the Brewers Association staff in 2013 after a long career as a craft brewer. He opened Tennessee’s first brewpub, Boscos, in 1992. As an owner and director of brewery operations for Boscos Brewing Company, he opened additional brewpubs in Memphis, Nashville, and Little Rock, Arkansas. In 2007, Chuck opened and operated Ghost River Brewing in Memphis. He has served as chair of the Association of Brewers Board of Advisors, chair of the Association of Brewers Board of Directors, and was a member of the first Board of Directors for the Brewers Association. In his capacity as technical brewing projects manager, Chuck works with the Technical Committee and the safety, sustainability, quality, draught beer quality, engineering, and supply chain subcommittees to encourage and facilitate best practices in all phases of Brewers Association members' brewery operations.

See Chuck Skypeck's Articles