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
Related Stories
Rising rural business confidence supports local ag economies, but taxes and labor shortages remain key constraints.
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
Soft equipment sales signal cautious farm spending as producers prioritize cash flow over expansion.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
Tight beef cow supplies and steady demand point to continued record-level cull cow prices in 2026.
A high-stakes legal case in a South Dakota federal court concerning misleading country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL), such as “Product of the USA,” on food products, will significantly impact U.S. agricultural policy for years to come.
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.

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:

Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
Rail continues to carry a larger share of the grain load, increasing sensitivity to rail capacity, labor, and pricing conditions.
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
Payment totals alone do not show financial stress — production costs and net losses complete the picture.
Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.