Farmers in southeast Oregon and southwest Idaho are looking at a fine onion crop, this year. The yields appear to be slightly above long-term averages. According to Kay Riley, general manager at Snake River Produce, the harvest and size of onions has been exceptional.
While Riley said internal decay can occur after about a month in storage, that does not appear to be an issue so far at Snake River, which began packing in mid-August. Last year’s late-starting season saw below-average sizes and yields.
Stuart Reitz, Oregon State University Extension Malheur County crop agent, said this year’s crop looks more like the 2016 crop, with good skin color and size. Decent growing conditions helped overall quality and yield. Nyssa-area grower Paul Skeen said his crop looks “excellent, probably the best I’ve ever seen. Quality and appearance and everything else.”
As reported by bendbulletin.com¸ Skeen’s harvest was largely completed before the October 15 frost, as was much of the area’s onion harvest.
