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
Even in this strong market, some beef producers are leaving money on the table by not following proven marketing practices.
New U.S. fees on Chinese-owned and built ships took effect overnight, marking the latest escalation in maritime trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Better yield measurement means fairer grids, more precise breeding targets, and more dollars for truly efficient cattle.
Escalating U.S.–China tensions threaten soybean demand as farm finances are stretched further.
Expect a steady corn grind and selective basis strength where exports and local blending stay active.
CoBank Lead Grains Economist Tanner Ehmke joins us to share insight and concerns over current grain storage capacity as export demand lags.

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:

The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that new single-fluorinated pesticides are not PFAS and remain fully compliant with current safety standards.
Strong demand supports sweet potatoes, but grading challenges and rising costs weigh on returns for Southeastern growers.
Pressure on grain storage capacity and stronger export positioning are pushing more grain onto railroads, highways, and river systems as logistics become a key bottleneck this fall.
The Cotton-4 are pushing hard for new value chain investments. Still, many U.S. cotton producers face unsustainable losses, and weakened regional textile capacity threatens the survival of the Carolina “dirt-to-shirt” supply chain.
Late harvest and tight supplies shape crop progress and agribusiness this week. Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Dec. 1, 2025.
Cargill’s commitment to keep plants open helps preserve competition as Tyson removes capacity amid historically tight cattle supplies.