Every spring, hop growers embark on the new season layered with optimism, anticipating ample water, near-average temperatures, and manageable pests and disease levels – essential conditions for a bountiful harvest. 

As we look ahead to the 2024 crop, this optimism remains, but it is tempered by an awareness of the increasing challenges being faced throughout the supply chain, from grower to brewer.  Rising costs and complexities, many beyond our control, add to the difficulties. With a multigenerational perspective, growers understand that these challenges must not paralyze us. 

We are dedicated to refining our processes and techniques to produce the highest quality hops in the amount demanded, all while using fewer resources – such as land, water, and chemicals. These improved growing practices, developed in response to challenging times, will become foundational. From plant breeding to our field trial designs, our efforts are focused on creating value that benefits the entire supply chain – from our farms to your taprooms.

Yakima Chief’s ongoing diligence in managing our supply and demand balance has significantly reduced previous crop stocks. Any residual industry surplus of previous crop year US aroma hops should not deter brewers from contracting their future needs. Without these contracts, growers will not have a clear view of demand, potentially leading to further imbalances in the future. We don’t want to sound alarmist, and we are always available to discuss any concerns you may have regarding hop supply, contracting, or any other factors affecting your business.

In 2024, Yakima Chief plans to bring in the smallest crop since 2017.  This refocused volume is pointed towards our historically highest quality fields.  We will continue to align our supply by variety with customer demand. The Grower Services team is collaborating with our growers on strategic projects centered around our sustainability initiatives, focusing on carbon management, water conservation, and soil health. 

We look forward to seeing you during the growing season and into harvest!

Sincerely,

 

Jason Champoux

 

Vice President of Crop Production

Yakima Chief Ranches

The Pacific Northwest has seen significant reductions in acreage in all three states, most significantly in the flavor-forward aroma category. The traditional aroma category has also experienced reductions, albeit to a lesser extent. Alpha acreage has been the least affected, in the case of certain varieties, even slightly increased.

Acres strung by popular variety 2020-2024[i]
[i] Crop Production 06/12/2024 (usda.gov)

Acres strung in 2024, with the percentage of reduction from 2023 reflected

Acres strung with pounds harvested in 2023[i]

The team at Yakima Chief Ranches (YCR) is growing stronger, with a renewed focus on agronomic research trials for both emerging and existing cultivars in our portfolio. Our goal is to increase field efficiency year over year by prioritizing agronomic sustainability through improving disease and pest resistance. We hope for another season with low pest and disease pressure, and “normal” weather through harvest, leading to a bounty of green, juicy, aromatic cones.

This year, the production of HBC 522, an exciting new traditional aroma hop, has increased significantly. Aromatically, it serves as an excellent substitute for Cascade, offering increased efficiencies to brewers and better returns for growers. In the field, HBC 522 demonstrates greater disease resistance and higher yields than Cascade, making it a more sustainable crop. HBC 682 is also seeing a small increase in acreage.

Now, more than ever, brewers should prioritize where they source their hops. While frequent closures of American craft breweries are well-documented, the challenges on hop farms are often overlooked. In the last six months, we have seen families lose their farms. We have seen other farms acquire farms, and we will see more hop farms cease to exist before the concerted efforts of growers and brewers can stabilize our symbiotic industries. Purchasing hops directly from growers ensures the best returns. While we recognize the occasional necessity for painful adjustments, we urge everyone involved, from farm to tap-room, to stick together, enhance resilience, refine our practices, and emerge stronger for the future.

Brewers are invited to schedule farm visits. We’re happy to facilitate tours, as any time spent in the field gives brewers valuable insights into their ingredients. Strengthening the connection between brewers and hop growers is at the core of our mission.

Megan Soules helps facilitate our farm visits, if you would like to schedule a tour, please reach out to megan.soules@yakimachief.com. If you have any questions regarding crop news and updates, reach out to us at hops@yakimachief.com.

¹(2023, June 1). Overview. The New Brewer, 40(3), 117. https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/frame.php?i=791743&p=&pn=&ver=html5

²Brewers Association. (2023, April 26). National Beer Sales & Production Data – Brewers Association. https://www.brewersassociation.org/statistics-and-data/national-beer-stats/