USA: 2006 hop production increased

According to National Agricultural Statistic Service report of December 15, the hop production for Idaho, Oregon, and Washington in 2006 totaled 57.7 million pounds, up 9 percent from the 2005 crop of 52.9 million pounds, and 4 percent above the 2004 production of 55.2 million pounds. Idaho’s production decreased 16 percent in 2006. Production in Washington and Oregon increased 12 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Washington showed a 2 percent acreage increase.

Oregon and Idaho acreage were down 2 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Yields increased in Washington to 2,058 pounds per acre, and in Oregon to 1,760 pounds per acre. Idaho yields averaged 1,613 pounds per acre, 27 pounds less than a year ago.

Washington growers produced 77 percent of the U.S. hop crop for 2006. Zeus, Columbus/Tomahawk, Galena, and Willamette were the leading varieties in Washington, accounting for 71 percent of the State’s hop crop.

In Oregon, Willamette and Nugget were the major varieties, accounting for 77 percent of the State’s hop production.