Michigan hop crop report – week of May 11, 2026
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EmailCool weather over the last week should give way to warmer weather and improved growing conditions.
Weather review
Over the last month, average temperatures have been above normal in southern Michigan and close to average across the northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas. This may be surprising since temperatures over the last seven to 10 days have been several degrees below average. Despite the recent cool down, accumulated growing degree days (GDD) base 50 degrees Fahrenheit are still well ahead of normal in southern Michigan. Growing degree days base 50 F in the northern Lower and Upper Peninsula are close to normal for this time of year.
In terms of accumulated precipitation, most of southern Michigan is near average while some locations in the northern Lower Peninsula received up to 400% of normal accumulation. Along with the snow melting, this has led to extensive flooding in some locations. Most of the Upper Peninsula received close to normal levels of precipitation.
Looking ahead
We started the work week with frosty conditions in northern Michigan. As the week progresses, temperatures should slowly climb to normal ranges after this long spell of colder than normal temperatures. The three-to-four-week forecast model predicts warmer than average temperatures.
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
Plants have been trained and are in the vegetative growth stage. Precipitation is near normal for this time of year and very similar to 2024. While accumulated GDDs (base 50) are also close to normal for this time of year, they are well behind for this stage in 2024. Temperatures 8-10 F below normal over the last 10 days or so are to blame. However, the forecast calls for above normal temperatures beginning next week, and hops should respond well. Growers are actively fertilizing, scouting for downy mildew, and side disking as well.
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 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.
