Featured image: California harvest, photo courtesy of Mike Smythe with West Valley Packing
MARKET
Imperial Valley, California:
Mike Smythe provided an Imperial Valley crop report for West Valley Packing on April 24: “West Valley Packing is packing all three colors for conventional and organic onions,” Mike said. Every grower wishes they had more red onions. The demand for red onions is incredible, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The sizing is getting larger on the yellows, reds, and whites, which are mostly jumbos. We expect more colossal and super colossal yellow next week.” Mike continued, “Yields are average to start, we are hoping for more bags per acre as we move thru the fields. Freight is not an issue. Quality has been good to start, we don’t see any 100 + degree days on the horizon which will help.” Many thanks to Mike for the awesome photos this week. Click photos to enlarge and scroll.
Texas Rio Grande Valley/Mexico:
Don Ed Holmes with The Onion House in Weslaco, TX, said on April 24 the Texas deal is “down to the last 25 percent.” He said, “We have 100-plus acres to clip and should have it all clipped next week and finish up May 8 or 9 on Texas yellows.” He added, “We still have whites out of Torreón and that will transition to Chihuahua May 8 or 9.” Don Ed noted the Texas season has gone well, and he said the market has gained strength again.
Texas Rio Grande Valley:
David DeBerry with Southwest Onion Growers in McAllen said on April 24 his South Texas deal is moving along well. :Two to three weeks left,” he said, adding he has all colors. “Steady as she goes with little better demand and prices since Tampico started winding down.”
Mexico:
James Johnson with Carzalia Valley Produce in Columbus, NM, told us on April 24 his 2024 season is moving along well. “Sonora organics are down to the last week or so. We still have reds, whites, and good volume yellows for at least a week to 10 days,” he said. “We will start whites out of southern Chihuahua next week and will have all three colors out of there and good volume by about the May 10.”
Texas/California/Vidalia, GA:
Jason Pearson with Eagle Eye Produce in Nyssa, OR, told us on April 24, “Demand is a little off this week,” Jason said, “For this time of year and with a transition, its not surprising. We are moving onions out of Texas, California and Vidalia, and quality has been good out of all regions.” Jason continued, “There are plenty of medium yellows out there, but jumbo reds are extremely tight. We are only offering mixers on those. Out of California we are going full blast with yellows. We’ll add red this weekend and whites will be coming next week. As far as Texas goes, we are looking at about another two to another two-and-a-half weeks. We are shipping yellows out of Georgia now, and reds will come next week.” When asked about the market, Jason said, “The medium market is weak. Whites are steady. The market for bigger onions is good, and bigger reds are VERY good.” Jason added, “Overall, the transition has been smooth, though the red deal has been a little rough. That should straighten out soon. Of course, we will be looking to start up with our New Mexico program June 1.”
Washington/California/Mexico/Texas:
Rick Greener with Greener Produce in Ketchum, ID provided his report on April 24. “We are doing our normal business and pluggin’ right along,” Rick said. “Happy to be working with some new customers, and we are shipping out of Washington, Texas, Mexico, and California. Where we pull from really just depends upon the customers. Some of the buyers want to stick with the Washington guys and are OK with us. The quality still looks good there. Others, it’s a freight thing, and others are just ready for new crop. We are good to go with any of these regions. It does seem that it’s not just the big reds that are getting tight. It’s becoming all reds are getting tight, so you have to watch it there. Colossasl are tight too. We are doing mixers on reds, but by Friday, we should be able to start doing some straight loads.’” Rick continued, “We should be able to get Texas onions through mid-May and then they’ll be finishing up. Washington is looking at another ten days to two weeks. Then you have we’ll have new crop out of New Mexico coming on about mid-May.” On the market, Rick said, “Man, it’s all over the place. It depends on what you’re buying and from where. As regions finish up, it should straighten out, but for now, I can’t nail it down in a sentence or two.” On transportation, Rick said, “Everything is on the road and rolling. Flatbeds, reefers, you name it. We are all good there. Oh, and don’t forget, we have shallots, cippolinis, and pearls, so come and get ‘em!”
Wisconsin:
Doug Bulgrin with Gumz Farms in Endeavor provided his report on April 24. “We are working hard to keep with our customers to fill their needs,” Doug said. “We are looking at the end of May for our finish date.” Doug continued, “Reds are tight and we are doing our best to keep our program business satified with reds.” Doug also commented on planting. “We are finishing our planting our last fields today and we’ll be all in and looking forward to a new season. That said, we are excited for the next go round and actively looking for new customers to partner with.” Many thanks to Doug for the cool planting photo.
CROP
New Mexico:
James Johnson with Carzalia Valley Produce in Columbus told us on April 24 that his New Mexico crop looks good so far. “New Mexico looks early, but it is hard to tell for sure! Start of this crop most likely will be about the 20th of May,” he said. Our thanks to James for his great crop photos this week. Click image to enlarge.
Colorado Western Slope/Corinne, UT:
Don Ed Holmes with The Onion House in Weslaco, TX, said his Colorado and Utah growers have all their onions in the ground, and conditions are good. “Everybody’s happy,” he said.
Colorado Western Slope:
David DeBerry with Southwest Onion Growers in McAllen, TX, said on April 24 his two Colorado Western Slope growers are all planted and thus far looking at a normal season. Colorado traditionally kicks off around Labor Day.
