Hop Update August 2025

Germany 

Official crop estimate Germany

The total estimated harvest for the German growing area is 41,235 t. This is divided between the growing regions as follows: 

In comparison, the harvest quantity in Germany in 2024 was 46.536 t. 

Further details on the official crop estimate can be found at the Association of German Hop Growers:  

https://www.deutscher-hopfen.de/presse/

Weather conditions and Plant Development Germany

From the end of July, the weather was very cool and there was sufficient rainfall. In August in particular, rainfall varied widely from place to place. Towards the end of the first ten days of August, maximum daily temperatures again rose above 30°C. For the second half of August, only moderate to summery temperatures with cool nights are forecast. 

The aroma varieties are rather thin in habit and are expected to achieve average yields. Herkules, the largest variety in terms of area, can also be classified as average.  

In all growing regions, the development stage is a few days behind the long-term average. The hops have currently reached BBCH stage 81 to 89, which means that maturity has begun and is proceeding. 

Aphids are barely present. However, pressure from red spider mites remains high. Growers must continue to monitor their crops and, if necessary, treat late-ripening varieties again. The availability of acaricides is severely limited. Fungal diseases also represent a growing challenge. Powdery mildew is occurring in many crops, especially in susceptible varieties such as Herkules. Downy mildew infestation has also increased in recent weeks. There is currently a spraying recommendation for all susceptible varieties, although spore counts are low. However, the first signs of disease are already visible in susceptible varieties. Due to the hot weather, the symptoms of wilt disease have once again become significantly more intense. 

In Tettnang, many farms will start harvesting next week (calendar week 35). In Hallertau, on the other hand, most farms will not start harvesting until the beginning to middle of calendar week 36. Farms in the Elbe-Saale growing region will start harvesting in early to mid-September.

Plant development other growing areas

Czech Republic 

In the hop growing regions, the stage of development of most varieties is around the long-term average. With moderate temperatures, the hop harvest is beginning these days. 

The largest variety in terms of area, Saazer, can be estimated to have an average yield in all Czech growing regions. The expected yield for the Sladek, Premiant, and Kazbek varieties is slightly above average. Red spider mites and downy mildew appear sporadically. 

Slovenia 

Hop fields vary depending on the region. The Savinjski Golding and Aurora varieties are generally considered to be below average. The Celeia variety is slightly below average. There are currently no signs of disease or pests. The quality is very good.  

Some farms will begin harvesting the earliest variety, Savinjski Golding, this week, with the remaining varieties to be harvested at the beginning of next week. 

Poland 

In Poland are currently moderate temperatures with few precipitation. There are large differences in the development of hops in the various regions. Even in the fields, the hops are often uneven. In general, the aroma varieties are slightly better than the high alpha varieties. An average harvest is currently expected. Diseases and pests are not a problem.  

Harvesting is expected to begin on the first farms in calendar week 37, so no alpha values are available at this early stage. 

USA 

The development stage is in line with the long-term average. Temperatures were optimal for hops in all growing regions. The availability of water for irrigation is limited and must be controlled through restrictions. 

The Mosaic, El Dorado, and CTZ varieties are average. The Centennial and Simcoe varieties are currently slightly below average. Citra, Cascade, and Chinook, on the other hand, are slightly above average. 

Diseases and pests are not a problem. Harvesting will begin between calendar weeks 34 and 36, depending on the region.