CALIFORNIA, Imperial Valley/Bakersfield:
Steve Gill at Gills Onions in Oxnard reported that planting has started in the Imperial Valley, and it should take about two weeks to wrap up. He commented that the area has had favorable weather conditions, and he noted that though California in general could use more rain, there are adequate water supplies in all the districts Gill is in. Because drip irrigation is used, the fields are in good shape where water is concerned. Steve said growers should begin to plant the Bakersfield crop about the first part of November.
TEXAS, Rio Grande Valley:
Don Ed Holmes at The Onion House in Weslaco told us on Oct. 19 that his crew is “about halfway through planting today,” and he said because rain is in the forecast for the weekend, planting will take up again next week.
MEXICO:
Don Ed Holmes at The Onion House in Weslaco, TX, said planting in Tampico will finish this weekend, and he said the crop is a big one. “Weather has been good, and it could come in early,” he said. Shipments could start mid-January.
