The latest hop reports, focused on 2024 production, from the USDA-NASS National Hop Report and the HGA Statistical Packet reveal critical insights about hop production, acreage, varieties and costs for hop growers across the United States. As we start another challenging year for the craft beer industry, let’s break down the data and trends that matter most for American brewmasters.
2024 USDA-NASS National Hop Report: Key highlights
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:
- 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.
Popular hop varieties in 2024
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.
2024 HGA Statistical Packet: trends and breakdown
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.
Rising costs for hop growers
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.
A year of adjustments
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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