USA: Significant drop in hop production, acreage, value in 2024

The USDA-NASS report, released in December 2024, reveals a significant drop in hop production across the United States. Here’s an overview of the key data points, summed up by Craft Brewing Business:

• Total production decline: In 2024, the U.S. produced 87.1 million pounds of hops, a 16% drop from 104 million pounds in 2023.
• Decreased acreage: The harvested acreage decreased by 18%, totaling 44,793 acres in 2024, marking a substantial reduction of more than 9,500 acres from the previous year.
• Yield up slightly: Despite the drop in acreage, the average yield per acre increased to 1,944 pounds, up from 1,915 pounds in 2023.
• Value of production: The value of the hop production in the U.S. was $446 million in 2024, which represents a 21% decrease from 2023.
• Varietal shifts: The biggest shifts in hop varieties include a significant reduction in acreage for popular varieties like Citra HBC 394 and Mosaic HBC 369. Citra, still dominant, saw a slight reduction in harvested acres, now at 6,775 acres.

Some varieties are seeing more traction, while others are shrinking. Here are the key figures:

• Citra HBC 394: Dominating the field with 6,775 acres, although it’s dropped from previous years.
• Mosaic HBC 369: Still in third place but with a sharp decline of 44%, down to 3,607 acres.
• CTZ: Continuing to hold strong in second place with 5,438 acres.
• Helios: A newcomer climbing to the ninth spot, making its presence felt in the high-alpha segment.

Released in January 2025, the HGA Statistical Packet dives deeper into the specific acreage and production data by state and variety. Let’s explore the significant insights:

• Washington, Oregon and Idaho: These three states dominate U.S. hop production, with Washington leading at 33,361 acres in 2024, down from 42,762 acres in 2022.
• Declining acreage in the Pacific Northwest: Both Washington and Oregon saw decreases in acreage for key varieties like Cascade and Simcoe. This trend reflects a broader industry effort to reduce overproduction.
• Aroma hops in the lead: Aroma hops, such as Cascade, Simcoe and Centennial, continue to account for a substantial portion of U.S. acreage, but reductions in varieties like Cascade and Simcoe reflect the shift towards high-alpha varieties.

The economic side of hop farming remains strained. Growers are facing rising production costs due to several factors:

• Labor and equipment costs: Rising labor costs, including health care and benefits, as well as the need to upgrade equipment, are driving up the cost of production.
• Supply chain challenges: From raw materials to transportation, the hop industry has not been immune to inflation and supply chain disruptions.
• Cost of production: Washington State University’s 2020 study pegged the cost of producing mature hops under drip irrigation at approximately $13,588 per acre. This cost has likely increased since, driven by inflation and the need for additional resources to manage fewer acres of hops.

The 2024 hop season paints a picture of an industry in flux. With reduced acreage and fluctuating yields, the industry is navigating a complex landscape shaped by both market forces and operational challenges. However, U.S. hop growers remain resilient, with high-quality varieties continuing to thrive despite the overall contraction. As the market adjusts, brewers can expect to see both challenges and opportunities in the years ahead, with a growing emphasis on high-alpha and specialty hop varieties. By understanding these key trends and the evolving costs of production, brewers can better navigate the shifting hop landscape in 2024 and beyond.

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