Hop Production Declines in 2025 as Acreage Pulls Back

Fewer acres and stronger prices suggest disciplined hop production is supporting market balance despite lower output.

less hops.jpg

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. hop production declined in 2025 as fewer harvested acres outweighed modest gains in yield, according to the USDA’s latest National Hop Report. Total production fell 5 percent from last year, signaling continued supply adjustment across the Pacific Northwest as growers respond to evolving brewery demand.

USDA estimates 2025 U.S. hop production at 83.1 million pounds, down from 87.1 million pounds in 2024. Harvested acreage dropped 7 percent to 41,654 acres, with acreage declining in every producing state. Average U.S. yield increased to 1,996 pounds per acre, up 52 pounds from a year earlier, partially offsetting the acreage decline.

Washington remained the dominant producing state, accounting for roughly three-quarters of national output, though harvested acreage fell to just over 31,000 acres. Idaho and Oregon also reported lower harvested area, continuing a multi-year contraction as growers adjust production to contract demand and inventory levels.

Despite lower output, hop prices strengthened modestly. The national average price rose to $5.38 per pound, compared with $5.12 in 2024. As a result, the value of U.S. hop production increased slightly to $447 million, even with fewer total pounds harvested.

The report reflects an industry recalibrating acreage while maintaining productivity as brewers fine-tune sourcing and variety needs heading into 2026.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Fewer acres and stronger prices suggest disciplined hop production is supporting market balance despite lower output.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Harvest Marches on as River Logistics And Inputs Steer Bids
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
Industry leaders representing more than 40 nations gathered to discuss the future of ethanol and other corn-based products.
Farmers display a unique optimism — planting with the expectation that weather, basis, and prices will improve by harvest — asserting that the profession is an identity, not just a job.
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.