Featured image: Walla Walla, WA crop progress, photo courtesy of Michael Locati with Locati Farms and Pacific Agra Farms in Walla Walla
MARKET
Imperial Valley, CA/Washington:
John Vlahandreas with Wada Farms in Salem, OR, told us on May 8, saying, “Demand is very good this week,” Jason said, “We’re shipping a minimal amount out of Washington, but most of the loads are coming out the Imperial Valley, CA. As far as demand goes, demand and the market for reds is outrageous! We’re selling mixer loads of reds right now. In general, we are moving a lot of product with multiple lines and multiple crews, it’s a lot to handle, but we haven’t gapped and we have a ways to go.” John added, “Normally, if you have a short crop, by Mother’s Day, you would most likely be about halfway finished, but we’re not there yet, and we’ll have a good run in the desert. With a short break for Mother’s Day and back on the desk next Monday or Tuesday, we’re looking to go between June 5-7 before we leave the Imperial Valley.”
Imperial Valley, CA
Matt Murphy with L&M Cos. in Raleigh, NC, provided his report on May 8. “We’re done shipping out of Washington and going wide open in California,” Matt said. “We are working and are getting caught up with all the orders on the transition, and this week’s demand has been very good. Buyers are looking for all sizes in yellows, and reds are also in high demand, but reds are in tight supply. It’s working for us well, though. We are shipping mixed loads with reds, and that helps us move our yellows.” Matt commented on the market: “Of course, the market is great on reds, but the yellow market has slipped a little, and whites are down. That’s because there are Texas sheds trying to be cleaned up. It’s a temporary thing.” Matt commented on Bakersfield. “We’ve had some great weather, and the Bakersfield crop is progressing well. We’re looking to get going there on June 1. I am visiting Bakersfield next week, so I’ll have some photos to share with readers.”
Texas Rio Grande Valley/Mexico:
Don Ed Holmes with The Onion House in Weslaco said on May 8 that the shed will finish running S. Texas on Saturday. He also told us Torreón has finished with its whites. “Chihuahua is moving really nice whites, and we’ll have them for about another month,” he said.
Mexico/New Mexico:
James Johnson with Carzalia Valley Produce in Columbus, NM, told us on May 8 that the Sonoran deal is winding down as Southern Chihuahua is going full steam. “We are bringing the last few loads over from the Sonora crop this week,” he said. James added, “Southern Chihuahua is going strong with excellent quality white and yellow, and we’re hoping to start receiving some reds from them soon.” He said New Mexico is looking good. “New Mexico crop will start in the next 10 days with whites and yellows.”
Texas/California/Vidalia, GA:
Jason Pearson with Eagle Eye Produce in Nyssa, OR, told us on May 8, “Demand is good for all colors and sizes this week,” Jason said, “And again, reds are super tight. We will be shipping out of Texas for the next two weeks, and in California, our desert deal is starting to wind down, so we’ll be shifting to the Central Valley soon. We expect a seamless transition there. We are still shipping fresh yellows and a few reds out of Vidalia and hoping to go there until the end of May. Then, our New Mexico Program will get going on May 28, and the crop looks great! So, we’re lined out well.” Jason continued on about the market, “We’re seeing the market for reds continue to increase, and the rest of the market remains fairly steady.” When asked about the transportation, Jason said, “Honestly, I think it’s gotten a little tighter lately.”
California/Mexico/Texas:
Rick Greener with Greener Produce in Ketchum, ID provided his “Free Range” report on May 8 from Kentucky. “Demand is good this week,” Rick said. “We’re shipping out of Texas, California, and Mexico. We have about another week to ten days in Texas and though we’re still shipping Mexico. California is going full steam with all colors and sizes. Reds are still tight. Regarding availability, there are more jumbo reds out there than medium reds. Overall demand this week seems to be pretty even across the board, and I have to say that for new crop we have been really pleased with the quality. Quality’s nice on all colors.” On the market, Rick said, “The market seems to be steady across the board with some hit-and-miss deals.” He ended his report by saying, “Hey, we have shallots, cippolinis, and pearls, so come on, load up!”
Spain:
Idaho-E. Oregon onion salesman, Chris Woo, kindly sent in photos this week from his current visit to San Sebastián, Basque Country in Spain. Chris is visiting retailers while on his trip and sent photos to share with OnionBusiness readers. Many thanks to Chris. Click the image to enlarge.
CROP
Bakersfield, CA
Megan Jacobsen with Gills Onions in Oxnard sent us great updates and photos of Rio Farms crop progress on May 8. “Bakersfield, CA growing region begins harvest in June and finishes up in late August this year.” The photos are courtesy of Jose Cardona with Rio Farms, and Megan Jacobsen with Gills Onions. Click to enlarge photos.
Colorado Western Slope/Corinne, UT:
Don Ed Holmes with The Onion House in Weslaco, TX, told us on May 8 that both the Olathe, CO, and Corinne, UT, crops are looking good. Colorado typically starts around Labor Day, and Utah comes in later in the fall.
Walla Walla:
Michael Locati with Locati Farms and Pacific Agra Farms in Walla Walla said on May 8 that his region had received some welcomed precip. “It rained 1.5 inches this weekend, so things are wet,” Michael said. He added, “We aren’t complaining, though. It’s supposed to heat up to 88 this weekend. Things are growing now.” Our thanks to Michael for the great crop photo!
Idaho-E. Oregon:
Jason Pearson with Eagle Eye Produce in Nyssa, OR, told us on May 8, the crop is coming along. “At this point, we are looking for some heat to get the crop going. We expect warmer weather starting this weekend, so that should help.”
Note to our onion growers, packers, shippers, suppliers, and vendors: OnionBusiness.com always seeks contributors for crop and market updates, new technology, supplier advancements, outstanding achievements, and general industry information. We value your input, so please get in touch with us. We are your friends and advocates in the onion industry. Email Sherise Jones at sherise@onionbusiness.com, or call 208-626-4681 to share your update or story.
