WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — U.S. hop inventories declined sharply from a year earlier, reducing the amount of carryover supply held by growers, dealers and brewers. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reports September 1 stocks totaled 105 million pounds, down 9% from 116 million pounds in 2025.
Growers and dealers held 86 million pounds on September 1, while brewers held 19 million pounds. Total stocks were also well below the 136 million pounds reported on September 1, 2024.
The decline comes as the hop industry continues working through inventories accumulated across previous production years. Lower stocks can help bring available supplies more closely in line with brewer demand, although USDA’s report does not include prices or usage forecasts.
USDA surveys growers in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, along with hop dealers nationwide and the largest U.S. brewers. Stocks include the dry-bale equivalent of hops held as pellets or extract.
The next stocks report will provide another measure of how quickly inventories are being drawn down ahead of the 2027 production season.
