Market and Crop Update for October 29, 2020

MARKET
Idaho-E. Oregon:
Herb Haun with Haun Packing in Weiser, ID, told us on Oct. 28 that demand is still good. “We can tell by the number of shipments going out of this area,” Herb said, noting government figures have the region about 2,000 loads ahead of this time last year. “We’ve been staying ahead of last year,” he said, adding, “Demand is equal up and down the line for sizes. We take it one day at a time, but demand indicates retail and foodservice are both good.” And, he said, “All colors are moving well, and everything seems pretty solid right now.”

Chris Woo with Owyhee Produce in Nyssa, OR, and Parma, ID, told us on Oct. 28 the day had been “bizzy.” He said the weather was “pleasant, cool, dry and sharp, just like my demeanor,” and he went on to say onion sheds in the Treasure Valley were “packing large sizes of various colors at really reasonable rates.” And, he predicted, “The sheds will be getting busier for fall promotions for the election and for Thanksgiving pull.”

Idaho:
Rick Greener with Greer Produce in Ketchum reported this week that he is shipping out of a variety of areas, all with good quality. “We are shipping out of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Michigan with a few loads out of Kansas this week,” he said. “We are seeing good quality coming out of all the areas.  Demand continues to be steady, with some sheds selling out by Tuesday. The pricing is steady, too. With the same pricing as the last three weeks, it’s pretty solid right now.” Rick offered some advice for buyers. “If you are planning on buying onions for the holidays, you should get on it now,” he said. “There are reports of mom-and-pop trucking operations closing down in the masses, and then you have the Railex closure factored into the equation. So, if you think freight availability and rates are nasty now, just wait a couple of weeks. Indicators point to it getting worse. Get the onions on the trucks while you still can.”

Colorado Western Slope:
A big snowstorm in Colorado earlier this week helped firefighters battling huge blazes in the Central Rockies, and on the Western Slope onions were all undercover when the weather moved in – a win/win situation, according to David DeBerry with Southwest Onion Growers in Mission, TX. “Everything is under cover,” David said on Oct. 28. “And everyone is happy with the yields and quality. In fact, this year’s yields and storage quality could be the best ever.” He continued, “We wish trucks were easier and more dependable, because they’re neither. But the market is steady, and movement is very good. The Farmers to Families Food Box program has had a big impact, and foodservice has definitely picked up as well. We think foodservice could be back to 80-85 percent of what it was before the pandemic.” Looking at recent job numbers for the foodservice industry, David said, “Some restaurants are still not offering in-person service, but you see a lot more Uber Eats drivers that might not be counted. A lot of jobs have changed.” Incentives to work are also brought into play, he said. “In my area, I’d say 95 percent of the eateries have ‘help wanted’ signs or notices. And this is a college town!”

Northern Colorado:
John Harris with Paradigm Fresh in Fort Morgan shared a bit of frosty news on Oct. 26. “It’s a cold one here in Northern Colorado today, and we are experiencing record cold temps here in Colorado this week.  Our high today is supposed to reach 12.  It’s currently 7 degrees, so I guess we are almost there!?!” He continued, “The point of the matter is that it is reefer season.  October is always a slow month for my office, but we are still expecting trucks to be tight this week and I am betting we will see rates increase as well.” And, John said, “Reds and whites remain tight with orders being filled three or four days out.  Yellows seem to be mostly plentiful in Washington and Idaho-E. Oregon.  Let me know if I can help anyone cover their needs this week.  Stay warm!”

Washington/Peru:
Dan Borer with Keystone Fruit Marketing reported from his Walla Walla, WA, office this week. “Everything is going well for both our sweet program and hybrids this week,” Dan said. “We are moving locally grown Northwest sweets, and our Peruvian ‘Mayan Sweets’ demand is picking up steam. Overall, movement is normal for this time of year, and pricing is average. Quality has been outstanding. Honestly, we have nothing to complain about.” Dan said Keystone expects above-average demand for the holiday season. “Looking ahead, we anticipate very good volumes moving in the months to come,” he said. “Since our focus is primarily retail, reports look like families are continuing to dine at home, so it’s no surprise that onions and potatoes will most likely continue to be in high demand. Again, for onions, things are looking good now and for holidays, so we don’t have any bad news to report. It’s all good.”

Peru:
Walt Dasher with G&R Farms in Glennville, GA, reported in earlier this week with an update on Peru. “This year’s Peru crop has the exceptional quality and taste we’ve come to expect with our consistent, year-round supply,” Walt said of G&R’s sweet onion program that includes product from Georgia, Peru and other production areas. “In the start of the season, volume was down roughly 20-28 percent due to cooler weather, which resulted in smaller sizes.  But according to our staff in Peru, the late crop and second season crop appears to be on target to hit normal yields through the holiday season.” He added, “There is a possibility of elevated yields come January if weather continues to hold up with normal temperatures.”
Many thanks to Walt for sending us latest photos of their Peruvian crop.