MARKET
Idaho-E. Oregon
Marc Bybee with Eagle Eye Produce in Nyssa, OR, gave Eagle Eye’s update on November 5. “Demand here at EEP seems to be holding steady,” Marc said, “We are pushing for pricing to improve. It has gone up some on some items, but still, it does not seem to be where it could be based on storage inventories and production costs. Harvest is complete, everyone should know their marketing situations, I’m hopeful that anyone who has been prone to weakness in their pricing will begin to see they can strengthen up, say “No thank you” once in a while, and take fewer orders. That could soon lead to higher returns on the sales taken. Easy math, yet always a battle for better industry unity and overall success.” When asked about supplies, Marc said, “When it comes to having tight supplies, it depends on the day. There are times when mediums of all colors seem difficult to generate.” And he said, “Consumer packs seem to be gaining traction with the looming Thanksgiving holiday.” Regarding the market, Marc commented, “It seems like everyone is waiting for some bright and shiny signal to tell them it’s okay to raise prices. Maybe after Tuesday, we will all feel a bit more positive?” On transportation, he added, “Getting more difficult and expensive daily from what I’ve heard. The weather/roads so far have been okay but that too will likely become a regular transportation factor soon.” Marc ended his November 5 report with his take on the election, “For me, the elections feel very important. It has the anxiety level of a Super-Bowl (with a team you care about) but the importance is really so much higher than that. I do believe many of us factor the election results into our business planning. Either way, we live in an amazing country, with amazing people, most of whom I believe just want the country to be as great as we all know it can be.”
Ken Stewart with Asumendi Produce in Wilder, ID, provided his report on November 6. “Though we’ve seen good demand, it has been a little slow this week,” Ken said. “Thanksgiving is later in the month this year, so we’re hoping we’ll see increased orders for the holiday,” he said. “We have had increased orders on reds, and inquiries from Mexico and that’s all good. It’s also important to mention that we are very pleased with this season’s quality.” On the market, Ken said it’s steady. “Overall, the market is steady on all sizes and colors,” Ken said. “We saw some dips and increases we feel now its leveled off.” Regarding transportation, Ken said, “We’re almost to the end of being able to load flatbeds, and this recent winter weather is going to put us into reefers. For now, we are getting some good rates.”
Idaho/Oregon/Washington:
John Vlahandreas with Wada Farms in Salem, OR, told us on November 6, saying, “Demand has been pretty good this week,” John said, “We are starting in on orders for Thanksgiving, Currently, we’ve been moving onions out of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and the quality has been very good right along. The market for all three colors seems to be holding. Reds are doing very well. Pricing on whites has a big spread. It’s like some shippers need to get rid of some whites on the floor and others are holding on. Whites can have a range like that and it’s normal. Yellows are sitting about at break even. Between the 20—30 percent increase in growing costs and the increased labor cost, where the market sits now on yellows, it’s just that, break-even, and growers can’t be particularly happy about it.” Finally, John said, “Recent weather has made it a little difficult for transportation. We have had some problems through Wyoming and Colorado already. It’s that time of year. We just have to deal with it.”
Idaho/Washington/Oregon/Utah/Michigan/North Dakota:
Rick Greener with Greener Produce in Ketchum, ID provided his report on November 6 saying, “On-demand there seemed to be a drive on Monday, but I think today, we are experiencing a little election hangover. It’s been quiet today,” Rick said. “With Thanksgiving at the end of the month, I think we are seeing the quiet before the storm. Come next week, Thanksgiving orders should start rolling in. We’re shipping out of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Michigan, North Dakota. Quality has been good.” On the market, Rick commented, “The market whites seem to be leading, and the red market is good and holding. The yellow market is steady, but you’ll lose money on pallet orders.” He notes on transportation, “It is hit and miss on flatbeds and we are headed toward all reefers so be prepared… getting trucks and increased prices.” Finally, Rick gave a pitch on the little guys. “We have boilers, Cipollinis, and pearls, so come; let’s GO!”
Colorado Western Slope:
David DeBerry with Southwest Onion Growers in McAllen, TX, said on Nov. 6 his Olathe grower had shut down for 24 hours to let a strong storm pass. The shed is expected to resume shipping on Nov. 7, he said. Size and quality remain good, and David said other than the weather there was “nothing new.”
Colorado Western Slope/Corinne, UT:
Chuck Hill with the Onion House in Weslaco, TX, told us on Nov. 6 that both Colorado and Utah deals were going well. “Both sheds are running, and everything is good. The weather is getting a little dicey, but onions are moving.” He said quality remains exceptional, with good sizing. “The market is steady right now. Freight is up a little, but that’s normal for this time of year,” Chuck said. And he added, “We’re back in control, and everything is lovely.”
CROP
Mexico/S. Texas:
David DeBerry with Southwest Onion Growers in McAllen, TX, said on Nov 6 that planting in S. Texas and Mexico growing regions is on time for the upcoming seasons. Mexico traditionally begins in January, and S. Texas follows in March or April.
Chuck Hill with The Onion House in Weslaco, TX, said on Nov 6 planting in both regions is finished and the crops are on schedule.