Michigan hop crop report – June 4, 2026
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EmailWarm and dry weather equals optimum growing conditions for hops.
Weather review
Since March 5, southern Michigan has been warmer than normal, while most of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula were slightly below normal. Over the last month, average temperatures have been below normal across the entire state. Temperatures have been closer to normal over the last week. Despite recent cool temperatures over the last month, accumulated growing degree days (GDD) base 50 are still ahead of normal in southern Michigan thanks to above average temperatures earlier this spring. Growing degree days are close to normal in the northern Lower Peninsula and below normal in the eastern Upper Peninsula and Tip of the Mitt for this time of year.
What started out as an extremely wet spring with above normal precipitation across much of the state has given way to drier conditions over the last month and extremely dry conditions over the last week. With high evapotranspiration levels, the topsoil in some areas will dry out quickly.
Looking ahead
The forecast for June 5-6 calls for rain showers across most of the state with 0.5-1 inch of accumulation expected through June 10. As we move into next week, it will be mostly fair, dry and warmer. High temperatures will climb into the mid-70s to mid-80s across the state. The 6-10 day forecast model predicts warmer than average temperatures and drier than normal conditions. The revised June forecast calls for the same.
Visit MSU Extension’s Agriculture Weather page for the most recent agricultural weather forecast.
Stage of production/physiology
Hops across Michigan are in Principal Growth Stage 1: Leaf Development (from re-growth after burn back) and entering Growth Stage 2: Formation of Side Shoots and 3: Elongation of Bines, depending on growing location.
In the field
Most growers in southern Michigan have finished stringing or are completing their final walk through. Pests have been light thus far with dry conditions prevalent across much of the state. In southern Michigan, hops are entering their most productive growth stage. Northern Michigan growers are actively training hops, with the tallest plants around 3 feet. Growers are applying fertilizer this week. Mildew pressure has been light.
Pest management update
For pest information, see the May 22 Hop Pest Report.
MSU Hop Chat Series update
The May 8 MSU Hop Chat Series, featuring Erin Lizotte and Rob Sirrine, and the May 21 Hop Chat Series, featuring MSU irrigation specialist Younsuk Dong, are available on MSU Mediaspace.
Sincere thanks to the Michigan hop producers who provided timely input for the Michigan Hop Crop Report.
Stay connected!
For more information from Michigan State University Extension on hop production practices, sign up for the Hops & Barley MSU Extension Newsletter, attend the free MSU Hop Chat Series and continue to visit the MSU Extension Hops website or MSU Hops News Facebook.
If you are unsure of what is causing symptoms in your field, submit a sample to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics. Visit the webpage for specific information about how to collect, package, ship and take pictures of plant samples for diagnosis. If you have any doubt about what or how to collect a good sample, please contact the lab at 517-432-0988 or pestid@msu.edu.
Become a licensed pesticide applicator
All growers using pesticides can benefit from getting a pesticide applicator license, even if not legally required. Understanding pesticides and the associated regulations can help you protect yourself, others and the environment. Michigan pesticide applicator licenses are administered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. You can read all about the process by visiting the Pesticide FAQ webpage. Michigan State University offers a number of resources to assist people pursuing their license, including an online study/continuing education course and study manuals.
This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program (grant no 2024-70006-43569) from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
