TOPPENISH — Brulotte Farms, a longtime hop-growing operation and a grower-owner of Yakima Chief Hops, has announced its closure after 81 years in business. The decision, driven by rising costs and industry challenges, was announced in a press release on March 10.
Brulotte Farms first sprouted in Toppenish in 1994, continuing the Brulotte family’s hop farming tradition that began in 1885. The farm became part of the Yakima Chief Hops grower network in 2004. Brulotte Farms cultivated 1,400 acres of hops and had expanded into hemp production.
Brulotte Farms is owned and led by Reggie Brulotte; a sixth generation hop farmer. She received the First Degree of the International Order of the Hop for her dedication to hop farming. She also served as a Yakima Chief Hops board committee member, helping to advance the company’s mission and values.
In addition to her leadership roles, Brulotte is known for breeding the Bru-1™ hop variety, known for its distinct pineapple aroma. Despite the farm’s closure, the 2024 crop of Bru-1 will remain available through Yakima Chief Hops, and Brulotte will retain ownership of its genetics for potential future cultivation.
“Our hop industry, and subsequently the beer industry is better today thanks to Reggie’s pursuit of hop quality excellence and innovation,” Yakima Chief Hops said in a statement.
Agricultural producers are facing growing challenges and rising costs, with the hop industry particularly affected by a strained supply market. In the release from Yakima Chief Hopps they described Brulotte’s decision to sell as difficult, citing increasing financial pressures on farmers.
Kennia Perez can be contacted at 509-837-4500 ext. 110 or at KPerez@sunnysidesun.com
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