Featured image: Bakersfield onions, courtesy of Megan Jacobsen with Gills Onions in Oxnard, CA
MARKET
California Five Points:
John Vlahandreas with Wada Farms in Salem, OR, told us on June 17 that shipments have started out of Five Points. “It’s been a typical start-up for us in Five Points,” he said. “There is certainly demand, and we are shipping all colors and sizes, but foodservice isn’t seeing the big jump in demand like we thought we’d see. Restaurants are opening up, so that’s not the problem.” He continued, “You have people still a little leery to go out, and some smaller operations aren’t making a go of it with the reduced seating. I sure hope some of these little outfits can stay open, but we’ll just have to see what happens.” John went on to say, “On the market side of things, demand still leans to mediums, and pricing is high for those. The market for jumbos remains steady.” He said sales out of Five Points will extend to mid-August, and he also offered his current summer onion sales approach with a laugh. “One thing I will say is I just got back from California, and I expected to take a little time and catch up some rest. But selling onions is like an addiction – you sell some loads and it was so fun, you just can’t stop.”
Washington/New Mexico/California Bakersfield:
Matt Murphy with L&M Companies in Raleigh, NC, told us on June 17 that the company concluded its season in Warden, WA. “We finished packing last Friday and the last of the shipments went out today,” he said. “We are going in New Mexico now, and the demand and the market has been steady. The market for medium yellows is very good. And the jumbo yellow market is climbing. The market for colossals and supers has been lagging, but that isn’t a surprise.” Matt continued, “The market for reds and whites isn’t great, but we’re under no great pressure to move those.” He also said that foodservice is coming back. “The feel for foodservice strengthening is good,” Matt said. “While it’s not on fire, demand seems about average, and there are positive signs of upward movement.” He noted that L&M is starting up its new operation out of Bakersfield. “I don’t have a lot to report this week other than we just got started with onions out of our facility there yesterday, and quality looks very good.” On transportation, Matt said trucks are tight. “While everything is going well, about the only download is transportation,” he said. “Honestly, that’s about the only thing holding up movement.”
North Carolina, New Mexico, California:
Rick Greener with Greener Produce in Ketchum, ID, told us on June 17 that everything is going well for onions with his “free-range” operation. “Things are going smoothly for us,” he said. “We’re just finishing up with onions out of North Carolina, and we’re shipping out of California and starting up New Mexico.” He added, “California onions are getting better and better on quality and we’ve had good deliveries – so no complaints there. We’re just starting to ship New Mexico, and it’s a typical start to the season.” Rick said that overall the market is stable. “Of course, retail is still the driver, and demand for mediums is high, but I’m pretty surprised that the prices aren’t higher than what they are. I’ve seen prices like this when there are ample supplies, so it’s hard to figure these prices when supplies are down.” He added, “Trucks are tight right now. Even if you have lanes to load a flatbed, they are tough to get.” Finally, OnionBusiness.com wanted to give a big shout out to another part of the Greener fam. Rick’s wife Carrie and her sisters were featured in Forbes yesterday! We won’t let the cat out of the bag here. You just have to read up on this very cool family business which is just in time for Father’s Day. Also, note the models featured in the story. You might recognize this father and son team and the handsome guy with the cigar. wink. wink. https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiekiefner/2020/06/17/fathers-day-with-pappy–co/#1a9314c62441
CROP
Northern Colorado:
Ryan Fagerberg with Fagerberg Farms/Fagerberg Produce in Eaton told us on June 17, “Our onion stands are looking very respectable, compared to other years.” Ryan said this year the mix is “our typical 60 percent yellow, 20 percent red and 20 percent white mix.” And, he said, “Our target start date is the middle of August. However, we should have product the first week of August as well.”
Colorado Western Slope:
David DeBerry with Southwest Onion Growers in Mission, TX, said on June 17 his Colorado growers are reporting a good crop. “The onions are up and growing, and it’s just a matter of time now. I’ll be out there to visit soon, but they’re telling me the crop is on schedule and maybe a little early. It could start up the week ahead of Labor Day.”
Washington Walla Walla:
Michael Locati with Locati Farms and Pacific Agra Farms said on June 16 his first loads of Walla Walla Sweets are expected to ship on June 22. “We’re harvesting June 18,” Michael said. “The crop looks good, and our only real pressure was lack of heat units. It’s been cooler than normal, and so we’re a few days behind normal.” In addition to the
Washington Pasco:
On June 17, John Vlahandreas with Wada Farms in Salem, OR, reported that Wada will start moving overwinterings next week. “We’ll have nice quality coming out of Pasco,” he said. “We did get a little rain. so the second part of that crop will be a little slower, but it will be good to get started in the Northwest again.”
California Bakersfield:
Our friend Megan Jacobsen with Gills Onions in Oxnard, CA, told us on June 17, “The crop is looking absolutely beautiful in Bakersfield, CA. We started harvest here a little over a week ago.” She noted, “Previously, we were harvesting in Brawley, CA. The crop sizing is perfect, and quality is excellent.” Megan also said, “Unfortunately, PMA Foodservice has been cancelled this year, and that is our largest (and favorite) event of the year, offering the opportunity for us to connect with our Foodservice distributors. We are planning an exciting mailing for the week of PMA Foodservice to stay in contact with our customers. We have also recently launched our retail pickled onions. COVID-19 may have shaken up 2020 for our industry, country and world, but we are keeping very busy over here at Gills Onions.”
Many thanks to Megan for providing recent photos of the Gills onion harvest in Bakersfield
