Hops
Hops
Key Requirements
| Land | Low to Medium |
| Labor | High |
| Capital | High |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Wholesale
- Craft Breweries
Pests & Disease
The biggest threats to hops are downy and powdery mildew. Mycosphaerella leaf spot has been diagnosed at the Robinson Center and Japanese beetles have been a serious pest for growers. Mites can be serious in hot, dry years. Hop plants and cones are attractive to a number of insect pests including aphids, spider mites, wireworms, root weevils, corn earworms, Japanese beetles, potato leafhoppers, and cutworms.
$7200
Cost per 1/4 Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
$1896
Returns per 1/4 Acre ($15 per lb)
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Challenges
- Hop production is very labor intensive and if producers don’t have enough hands this crop might not be worth the investment.
- It normally takes three years for hops to come into full production.
Opportunities
- Growers will small acreage might market their hops to home based brewers, hobby brewers, and specialty stores.
- The increasing number of breweries and brewpubs has created market potential for small growers.