The Bainbridge, GA sweet corn season is finishing up, but didn't go without challenges. "We have about 2.5 weeks left of what we call a tough crop," says Geoff Taft with Pioneer Growers. During the planting phase, weather was overcast and during the growing season, two hurricanes came through. "Although our sweet corn wasn't in the path of the hurricanes and we weren't hit directly, the impact was still significant." Between wind, rain, and washouts, the estimate is for 20 percent of the crop to be lost. Not only did the crop endure yield losses as a result of the weather conditions, it is also much smaller in size. In addition, some of the corn was blown down by the wind, which made it tough to harvest. "We realize we could have lost the entire crop, which motivated us to make the best of it."
On the bright side, the market is very good currently. "While prices aren't up enough to compensate for the yield losses, a strong market like this allows us to farm again next year," Taft commented.
Left: First Belle Glade harvest earlier this week. right: Tray pack.
Belle Glade, FL
In addition to Bainbridge, GA, Pioneer Growers is also finishing up their sweet corn deal in Northern Florida, which is just a few hours south of Bainbridge. At the same time, the company is starting up the season in Belle Glade, FL which is expected to run through the end of the year. "Here, we are struggling with some of the same effects of the storms. Just like in Bainbridge, the corn in Belle Glade is also smaller in size. This is particularly challenging for corn that makes it into tray packs as a certain minimum size is required. "As one of the largest tray packers in the country, we do what we can to meet demand from our retail customers across the U.S. and Canada. What has been helpful, is the excellent quality."
Taft is hopeful that sizing will return to normal once the season in Homestead, FL kicks off at the beginning of the new year. Most of the corn in this region hadn't been planted yet when the two hurricanes came through.
For more information:
Geoff Taft
Pioneer Growers
Tel: +1 (561) 996-5211
[email protected]
www.pioneergrowers.com