Yakima Chief Ranches

Advancing the future of hops through innovative breeding, research, and dedicated grower partnerships.

From Propagation to Pint: Leading Innovation in Hop Breeding and Grower Partnership

For more than 30 years, Yakima Chief Hops and Yakima Chief Ranches have shared a unique and cohesive partnership. The two companies work together to create a robust hop supply chain that meets global brewers' demand for quality hops while supporting the Pacific Northwest community of family hop farms. This partnership creates a strong connection, from breeder to grower and supplier to brewer, and supports our mission of connecting family farms with the world's finest brewers. While similar in name, Yakima Chief Hops (YCH) and Yakima Chief Ranches (YCR) are separate companies with distinct roles within the collective supply chain. The YCH-YCR partnership is designed to create value from propagation to pint, across the entire supply chain to meet the long-term needs of all stakeholders.

Commitment to Breeding Hop Excellence, Brand Stewardship, and Grower Success

Yakima Chief Ranches leads hop innovation with a commitment to continuous improvement and partnership. By developing new, industry-leading varieties and supporting growers with sustainable, science-based practices, Yakima Chief Ranches empowers brewers and strengthens family farms. The company's stewardship ensures every hop meets top-quality standards and supports the hop community's legacy.

Hop breeder evaluating hops in the middle of hop row

Hop Breeding

Yakima Chief Ranches drives innovation in hop breeding through its highly respected program, developing and introducing many of the industry's leading varieties–including the celebrated Simcoe® hop. Under the guidance of renowned breeder Jason Perrault, who was mentored by Chuck Zimmerman, the program has set new standards in proprietary hop development, shaping the modern landscape of distinctive hop brands.

Hand holding pencil to clipboard with four hops sitting on top

Brand Management

Once a hop brand has gained market recognition, safeguarding it becomes essential. Effective brand management involves securing intellectual property rights and implementing data-driven cultivation and harvesting protocols to ensure brewers receive hops that meet brand standards.

Shelves of propagation trials in containers in lab environment

Propagation Research

The Yakima Chief Ranches research team remains committed to advancing hop propagation and agronomic knowledge. Implementing virus-free propagation enhances brand value by maximizing growth potential and promoting the health of plants, soil, and farms.

Farmer hands gently holding a green hop cone split in half to display yellow lupulin glands

Grower Support

In partnership with Yakima Chief Hops, the Yakima Chief Ranches works as a Grower Services team to support our network of family farms through communication, collaboration, and data insights.