MARKET
Washington:
Matt Murphy with L&M Cos. in Raleigh, NC, told us on Jan. 26 that his sales team is very busy this week. “Well, we thought demand might slow down this week, but it really hasn’t,” Matt said. “Demand across the board for all colors and sizes has been healthy. We are out of whites in Warden, but demand for reds is still hot and is very good on yellows too. In fact, we are putting in extra hours to get all the orders out the door. Right now, we are managing supplies, and our quality is really very nice. Marketwise, prices are up across the board on all sizes and colors too, which is all very good for onions this week.”
Washington/Idaho-E. Oregon:
Jason Pearson with Eagle Eye Produce in Nyssa, OR, reported in on January 26 telling us that demand is very good this week. “There is good demand for yellows and reds this week,” he said. “If I had to rate it, I guess I would say there is big demand for reds, good demand on yellows followed by whites. We have good availability on yellows, limited availability on reds and no availability on whites.” He said, “We are managing supplies and we are still on target for an April finish date.” As far as the market goes, Jason said it’s been increasing. “We’ve seen steady increases in the market, and we anticipate good markets right up through the end of the season, so we’re in good shape.” On transportation, Jason said it’s a little easier this week. “Don’t get me wrong; transportation is still horrible, and rates are still expensive, but trucks do seem a little easier to come by this week.”
Idaho-E. Oregon:
Chris Woo with Owyhee Produce in Nyssa, OR, and Parma, ID, told us Jan. 26, “Demand is still decent for all three colors, and pricing remains strong. On the transportation side, he said, “Trucks have eased up somewhat, and there seems to be more available. Rates have become a little bit more reasonable.” He commented on onions coming from south of the border, saying, “We are still supplying our shipping lanes business as usual with our fine quality.”
Dwayne Fisher with Champion Produce Sales in Parma, ID, reported in on Jan. 26 to say, “Steady is the word of the week. Demand is very steady, and prices are steadily increasing as we move toward the conclusion of our season.” He continued, “Reds are in short supply, and prices will continue to demonstrate that ratio. Trucks are expensive, but we are getting more than a couple weeks ago.” Dwayne also said, “Shrinks are steadily increasing as we rapidly approach February, and price increases will be needed just to keep up with those percentages that the growers aren’t getting paid for – the cull chute. Many of our costs for next year are still up in the air on just how much they will be increased or if we can even get some items.” He concluded, “The only thing that is certain for next season is that the good old days of a 7-9 market as a norm are long gone!”
Idaho:
Rick Greener with Greener Produce in Ketchum told us on Jan. 26 that demand is good this week. “Historically, this is a slow week, but we are moving onions,” Rick said. “Demand is good – not gangbusters, but good. There are smaller growers finishing up, and that has also brought availability down.” He added, “We are still shipping a little out of Utah and Michigan, with onions coming mostly out of Oregon, Idaho, Washington and some out of North Dakota. Quality is still looking very good as well.” On the market, Rick said, “It’s strong. I really don’t see anything that could make the market come off.” Rick noted that freight has gotten a little easier this week. “It’s hit-and-miss, but trucks seem a little easier to find this week, and there are some trucks out there with better rates. Like I’ve been saying all along, pre-plan your orders. That’s key.”
Mexico:
Don Ed Holmes with The Onion House in Weslaco, TX, told us on Jan. 26, “We have Mexican yellows today, and they are beautiful. The first loads were in yesterday.” He said whites will be added next week, and reds will arrive in 10 days to two weeks. “The market is very good,” Don Ed said. When asked about the trucker mandate in the U.S., he said, “Most Mexican drivers stay on other side, and special union drivers bring Mexican trucks and trailers to us. Those drivers have U.S. license and are bonded to drive in U.S.”
CROP
S. Texas:
Don Ed Holmes with The Onion House in Weslaco said on Jan. 26 the Rio Grande Valley crop “is dormant as weather has been cool.” He added that the forecast calls for more of the same.
David DeBerry with Southwest Onion Growers in McAllen said S. Texas has been “cool and damp, and our spray programs have doubled and tripled. The temps have been in the 40s and 50s, and there has been some degree of dampness for the last 14-15 days, with the forecast calling for more.”
