Anheuser-Busch InBev cuts back Idaho hop production

Citing a world surplus of hops, Anheuser-Busch InBev plans to reduce production on its northern Idaho hop farm, but managers there aren't saying by how much.

Peter Kraemer, vice president of supply for Anheuser-Busch Inc., said high crop yields and improved efficiency at the Elk Mountain Farms in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, helped create the company's high hop inventory.

"In any given year, we buy and produce different hop varieties in response to market conditions and consequently make adjustments in our annual hops production," Kraemer said.

Production at the farm will be reduced in the short-term to help balance hop supplies. Kraemer said the company expects to increase production in the future.

Farm general manager Ed Atkins said details still have to be worked out, so it would be premature to give figures or talk about production scenarios.

The farm has approximately 1,700 acres in production, Atkins said.

Michelle Palacios, business manager for the Hops Research Council in Aurora, Ore., said the farm, Elk Mountain Farms, produces hops used exclusively by Anheuser-Busch.

-- Matthew Weaver