In this episode of The AgCulture Podcast, Jason Champoux, VP of Crop Production at Yakima Chief Ranches, gives us an inside look at the hops industry—from breeding and production to its key role in brewing. He talks about Yakima Chief’s unique business model, the collaboration between growers and brewers, and the innovations shaping the future of hop farming. Discover how strategic partnerships help maintain quality and sustainability in this specialized agricultural sector. Tune in now on all major platforms!

Want to learn more? Visit the Yakima Chief Hops and Yakima Chief Ranches websites for details.

Meet the guest:

Jason Champoux grew up on a fourth-generation hop farm in Washington and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics. With over 21 years in the produce and packaging industry, he now serves as VP of Crop Production at Yakima Chief Ranches, leading global procurement and grower partnerships. His expertise lies in optimizing hop production and connecting growers with brewers worldwide.

Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

• (00:00) Introduction
• (02:25) Jason’s background
• (04:46) Hops production process
• (09:33) Yakima Chief’s business model
• (11:26) Breeding and variety development
• (20:26) Growth of craft brewing
• (31:49) Final Questions