Hop Head Farms ceases operations after 15 years

The Michigan-based hop supplier is auctioning off all equipment due to declining margins and reduced sales in the craft beer market.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:05pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a selection of premium, polished hop cones and harvesting tools arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the challenges facing the hops industry.As the craft beer industry faces oversaturation, a prominent Michigan hop supplier is forced to cease operations and auction off its specialized equipment.Berrien Springs Today

Hop Head Farms, a prominent hop supplier to craft breweries across the country, is discontinuing all operations after 15 years. The company's CFO cited 'multiple years of declining margins and reduced sales' as well as 'significant headwinds' in the craft beer market and an oversupply of hops as the reasons behind the decision to cease growing and distribution. Hop Head Farms is partnering with an auctioneer to sell off its complete lineup of equipment, including specialized hop-related machinery, at a public auction later this month.

Why it matters

The closure of Hop Head Farms represents the challenges facing the craft brewing industry and its suppliers, as the market has become increasingly saturated and competitive. The oversupply of hops and declining profit margins have made it difficult for some regional hop growers to remain viable, potentially impacting the availability and variety of hops for craft brewers.

The details

Hop Head Farms, founded in 2011 by Bonnie and Jeff Steinman in Hickory Corners, Michigan, was known for supplying premium hops to well-known craft breweries in the state and across the country. However, the company's CFO, Brian Dixon, said 'significant headwinds' in the craft beer market and an 'oversupply in the hops markets' led to hop farming becoming an unsustainable business. Hop Head Farms is now ceasing all growing and distribution operations and selling off its assets, including its 77-acre farm, processing facility, and a wide range of specialized hop equipment, through a public auction on April 29.

  • Hop Head Farms was founded in 2011.
  • The company is ceasing operations after 15 years, in 2026.
  • The public auction of Hop Head Farms' assets will take place on April 29, 2026.

The players

Hop Head Farms

A Michigan-based hop supplier that has been serving the craft brewing industry for 15 years.

Brian Dixon

The CFO of Hop Head Farms, who cited declining margins and reduced sales in the craft beer market as the reasons for the company's decision to cease operations.

Bonnie and Jeff Steinman

The founders of Hop Head Farms, which they established in 2011 in Hickory Corners, Michigan.

Miedema Auctioneering

The company that is partnering with Hop Head Farms to sell off the company's complete lineup of equipment at a public auction.

Chuck Ranney

The VP of Miedema Auctioneering, who described the upcoming auction as a 'unique opportunity' to purchase specialized hop equipment.

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What they’re saying

“This is not your typical farm auction. It's a unique opportunity to purchase specialized hop equipment that rarely becomes available, along with a strong lineup of traditional agricultural equipment.”

— Chuck Ranney, VP, Miedema Auctioneering

“With a full range of equipment also up for auction, it truly makes the Hickory Corners site a 'potential plug and play hop farm and processing facility'.”

— Brian Dixon, CFO, Hop Head Farms

What’s next

The public auction of Hop Head Farms' assets, including its 77-acre farm, processing facility, and specialized equipment, will take place on April 29, 2026.

The takeaway

The closure of Hop Head Farms highlights the challenges facing regional hop growers and suppliers in the increasingly competitive craft beer market, as declining margins and oversupply issues make it difficult for some to remain viable. This auction presents a unique opportunity for other farmers, brewers, and equipment dealers to acquire specialized hop-related assets.