Utah:
At Utah Onions in Syracuse, UT, owner and salesman Brad Dahl said pricing is up from last week. “All sizes and colors are moving well,” Brad told us. “With the strong market there is heavy demand, and Utah Onions has had a lot requests and inquiries.” Brad said he expects the current good market will stay strong into next week.
Columbia Basin:
In Hermiston, OR, Columbia Basin Onion GM said, “This week demand exceeds availability, and the market is strong for all colors and all sizes.” Gary was also happy to tell OnionBusiness.com that the market is equally as strong for the company’s organic supplies, and he said foresees the strong market continuing next week.
IEO:
Champion Produce Sales VP Dwayne Fisher said the market is at a strong $10,” and he said the Parma office has “even seen $11 on some mixes.” Dwayne added, “We’ve seen huge demand this week and have a lot of shipments.” In fact, they’re sold out for the week. Dwayne said that historically late January and the first part of February slows somewhat, and he said that will likely be the case this year as well. “This is a good thing due to shorter supplies,” he said, and he added he expects the market to remain strong.
Fiesta Farms President Marc Bybee also commented on the current onion market, saying, “Demand is very strong this week and the market is strong as well. The quality of the onions Fiesta is getting in the bags is great.” Handling sales for Fiesta, Nick Beahm of Eagle Eye Produce commented that at their end they were sold out as of Tuesday, and the market is at a strong $10 with $11 on a load sold for a Saturday pickup. From his Nyssa, OR, office, Marc said with low stocks left on hand and supplies down considerably from last year, he’s hopeful that the market will remain strong. He also said that unlike previous years, the Mexican crop shouldn’t be a factor on the balance of their season.
Fort Boise Produce Sales Manager Ashley Robertson said the Parma, ID, operation has enjoyed the active market and good demand, and she said that current prices are almost triple what they were a year ago at this time. “Reds seem to be doing well, with limited supplies. And whites have really taken off,” Ashley said, adding that “2016 just feels good.”
We agree.
New Mexico:
Near Columbus, NM, Carzalia Valley’s James Johnson said that the overwintered crop in the ground looks excellent, and he added, “We’re back in the field planting our spring seeded crop.” Planting will wrap up in mid-March, and the early onions will come off May 20. For planting, “Our weather forecast looks favorable,” James said, and he said the operation plans to ship through September, “staying the course.”
If you’d like to be included in our Market News with updates for your region, contact Sherise Jones at 208-741-2381, or via email at sherise@onionbusiness.com.
