Featured image: United Kingdom Retail Onions. Photo courtesy of John Vlahandreas with Wada Farms. More photos are shown below.
MARKET
Colorado Western Slope/Corinne, Utah:
Chuck Hill with The Onion House in Weslaco, TX, said on October 23 onions are shipping out of storage from the Olathe, CO, shed, with all three colors moving. “All’s good,” he said, noting an improvement in the market. “The market is good for jumbo yellows and jumbo whites, and quality is outstanding.” Chuck also said his Corinne, UT, deal will kick off next Monday with good sizing and excellent quality.
Colorado Western Slope:
David DeBerry with Southwest Onion Growers in McAllen, TX, said on October 23 his Delta growers are shipping storage onions. “We’re moving all three colors with a decent mix of sizes. Yellows are a little bit heavier to colossals,” he said. The deal traditionally runs through the holidays.
Idaho-E. Oregon
Dwayne Fisher with Tamura Farms in Wilder, ID, and Champion Produce in Parma, ID, reported on October 23. “This week we have seen a strength in the market across all sizes and colors,” Dwayne said. “The biggest price jump and demand is with the whites, no question, but a 2.00 increase in the yellow market is a close reality. That is where we are currently at with our quotes. Demand has been steady, quality is great, and supply is in check.” He continued, “This below-farm production cost market needs to rapidly retire, and we feel confident that the market is heading back to where it needs to be. Trucks seem to be tighter, but not impossible. Fall is in the air and winter will be here before we know it. A couple weeks away from the election of our lifetime and we certainly hope that the outcome will be positive for changing the economy and in turn will fuel some optimism. The market is strengthening and more should be coming on that front.”
Steve Baker with Baker & Murakami Produce in Ontario, OR, told us on October 23, saying, “Demand has picked up some this week,” Steve said. “Demand has picked up some this week. Quality has been good with the onions having a nice appearance. White supplies are starting to tighten up some this week. Especially medium whites.” Regarding the market, Steve commented, “The market price has been increasing slowly this week on all colors. Whites in particular are increasing in price faster than other colors. If Mexico continues to keep buying like they did last season we should see this market continue to increase in price.” On transportation, Steve noted, “Transportation has been adequate for our needs. Refers are starting to get a little tighter.”
Idaho/Oregon/Utah/Washington/Michigan:
Rick Greener with Greener Produce in Ketchum, ID provided his report on October 23. “We’re shipping out Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Michigan,” Rick said. “Demand was great on Monday after the big show in Atlanta. It continued to be good on Tuesday and today. About 75% of the shippers that we work with are sold out for the week! I think we’ve made it past the dog days of mid-September to mid-October. Buyers are looking for everything from Colossals down to pre-packs, and the quality of shipments continues to be very good. We haven’t had any problems.” Rick continued, “As far as exports go, Mexico is pulling all colors. Canada and Taiwan are buying too. It’s good for the market and there is a real possibility for higher pricing ahead. Whites are snug and prices are on the rise. Reds are snug and pricing should be increasing there too. Medium yellows are in a great position for an increase. Particularly, if this export buying continues.” Rick also commented on transportation. “Freights still easy,” Rick said, “So far, we can still load flatbeds and Conestogas. That is going to change once we have to move to all reefers.” Rick also mentioned sales for the little guys, “Don’t forget, we have Idaho Cipollinis, and pearls, so come and get ‘em!”
United Kingdom:
Many thanks to John Vlahandreas with Wada Farms in Salem, OR, who sent OnionBusiness.com onion and potato photos while on vacation to the United Kingdom this week. Click images to enlarge and scroll.
CROP
Tampico, Mexico/Texas Rio Grande Valley:
David DeBerry with Southwest Onion Growers in McAllen, TX, told us on October 23 the Tampico district is “probably 100 percent in the ground now,” on track for a late January start-up. “Acreage is up some,” David said. “The Texas Valley is just getting going good,” he said on planting for its spring start-up. The region faces ongoing irrigation issues as the United States and Mexico wrangle over the 1944 Water Treaty, and David said, “The water situation is dynamic and has daily issues.”