USA: Hops stock as of March, 1 lower than in 2011 but still the second highest in history - USDA

The inventory of hops held by growers, dealers, and brewers on March 1, 2012, totaled 117 million pounds, 3 percent less than the revised March 1, 2011 estimate. This is the second highest level for March 1 hop stocks, USDA reported on March, 22.

The previous record of 121 million pounds was set on March 1, 2011.

Stocks held by brewers, at 53.0 million pounds, were down 4 percent from a year ago. Stocks held by growers and dealers on March 1, 2012 totaled 64.0 million pounds, down 3 percent from a year ago.

30 March, 2012