Are you planting in the same place each year? Plants use nutrients in the soil so it’ll have to be amended if you use the same spot each year.
Dumping your spent grains over the winter is a source of amendment but microbes would have to break down the material. That takes time and usually happens faster in warmer weather. Organic fertilizers are not plant available without the natural breakdown. Synthetic fertilizers have plant available nutrients.
I recommend 6+ hrs direct sunlight, loose soil (not clay), check the soil pH to ensure its slightly acidic (~6.5) and if required adjusting it (lime up, sulfur down), and watering at the base frequently but ensuring it drains well if it doesn’t rain.
Then use a nitrogen rich growth fertilizer while you are trying to grow the plant. Change to a bloom fertilizer when you see the cones begin to form and are trying to produce them vs vegetation growth.
If you’re already doing all that, you might consider variety or you may have pests or a disease. Some varieties grow better in hot dry climates vs some which grow better in humid climates.
Hops are well known to be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Treatments are available for most.