Modern times

Decline of the English share of world production of hops from 30% to 1% in 20th century. The reasons for this decline explained, including the centralised management of English markets. England remained a leader in hop breeding, but fell behind in drying mechanisation. Brewers, notably Guinness and Whitbread invested in hop farming and drying. Hop picking was mechanised and the September visits of city hop pickers ended. Hop kilns became integrated modern industrial units. By the 21st century only a handful of traditional brick kilns remained in use. Redundant oast have been saved from demolition by widespread conversion into dwellings, especially in South East England