Hop Update July 2026

Weather conditions and Plant Development Germany

Since the last HopUpdate, all German growing regions have experienced midsummer temperatures of up to 38 °C in June and July. There were only isolated, localized precipitation events. Precipitation totals for these two months are well below the long-term average. Soil conditions are correspondingly dry. This is also visible in the hops: The bines have a rather slender habit and are sometimes pointed. Based on current assessments, all varieties are rated as slightly below average. In the Tettnang hop-growing region, a hailstorm affected approx. 200–250 ha of land in mid-July; yield losses on these areas are expected to range from 10 to 50%.

The stage of development is currently several days to the longterm average. The hops are at BBCH stage 55, meaning the inflorescence buds have enlarged. BBCH stages 61 through 65, which indicate the start and full bloom, respectively, are present in all varieties. Varieties such as Hallertauer Mittelfrüh are already beginning to build the cones. Downy mildew has not been a major problem so far, as spore numbers remain low. Powdery mildew is present sporadically, mainly in the Herkules variety. The crops are free of aphids. Spider mites are present sporadically. The summer generation of flea beetles, however, is becoming more prevalent. An increase in wilting symptoms has been observed in susceptible varieties.

Other growing areas  
 

Plant Developement Czech Republic

A period of summery weather also prevailed in the Czech hop-growing regions. Nevertheless, localized and in some areas rainfall of up to 50 mm occurred, accompanied by moderate temperatures. As a result, the majority of the Saaz hop variety was able to continue its development favorably and is now in the middle of cone development. At present, a near-average harvest can be expected, with picking scheduled to commence around mid-August. Diseases and pest infestations remain under control.

Plant Developement Slovenia

In addition to the heat wave at the end of June, July also saw a series of hot days with temperatures exceeding 30 °C. Furthermore, precipitation in the Slovenian growing regions was very isolated and minimal. 

These weather conditions are not ideal for the approximately 900 ha of hop fields that were affected by multiple hailstorms in early June. Many hop plants were no longer able to grow in height and therefore did not reach the trellis height. The development of side shoots and formation of blooms were also severely affected. As a result, very significant yield losses are expected for more than half of this area. 

However, the effects of the heat can be mitigated in many undamaged crops thanks to extensive irrigation measures. Nevertheless, below-average yields are expected here as well. 

Plant Development Poland

Poland’s hop-growing regions were also affected by the heat wave, with peak temperatures exceeding 40 °C. Depending on the region, this was followed by local rainfall ranging from 5 to 55 liters. 

This uneven distribution is having an impact on hops in the respective growing regions. While some areas are expected to see yields well below average, others are projected to have an average harvest. Overall, aroma varieties were better able to tolerate the hot temperatures than high-alpha varieties (especially Magnum). Since the development of Polish hops is about two weeks behind that of German crops, the weather over the next three weeks will now be the key factor.

Plant Development USA

The hops in the U.S. are currently in line with the long-term average. Although water continues to be rationed, this does not currently represent a critical situation. Growers have been able to meet their water needs through additional measures. In addition, powdery mildew and spider mites are present only to a very limited extent. Fires are occurring repeatedly in the surrounding area, as the spring and summer were very dry. Nevertheless, the smoke is not currently affecting the hops. The main varieties, Citra and Mosaic, as well as the alpha variety CTZ, are performing at an average level at this time, while Cascade is performing above average.