In Wisconsin, Doug Bulgrin from Gumz Farms in Endeavor reported on the onion harvest concluding by the upcoming weekend, with a steady movement and pricing despite reduced size and yields.
For organic onions, Brad Sumner of Pacific Coast Trading Co. in Portland noted a steady status with various regions harvesting and packing. The full storage transition for California is anticipated in mid-October, while the Michigan crop is currently being cured and moved out gradually. Sumner expressed a smooth outlook through the holiday season barring unexpected events.
From Idaho-Eastern Oregon, Steve Baker of Baker & Murakami Produce in Ontario shared insights on a recent slowdown in demand, attributing it to current pricing strategies affecting buyer preferences. The focus remains on the harvest and storage processes, with transportation availability noted as plentiful for flatbeds, though slightly tighter for refer trailers.
John Vlahandreas of Wada Farms in Salem, Oregon, highlighted good movement and quality in the Washington/Idaho-Eastern Oregon region, particularly for jumbo yellows. With the country's acreage up and a recent storm, the storage capacity and market response remain to be seen. Vlahandreas also mentioned potential market benefits from increased export opportunities, especially for Washington, due to a crop failure in Taiwan.
Rick Greener of Greener Produce in Ketchum, Idaho, reported strong demand early in the week across all colors and sizes, with a notable preference for Supers and Colossals. The diverse sourcing from Idaho-Oregon, Utah, Washington, Mexico through South Texas, and Michigan provides a robust selection, with the Michigan crop highlighted for its quality. Greener also mentioned a pause on shipments from Spain due to potential port strikes.
In Colorado's Western Slope, David DeBerry from Southwest Onion Growers in McAllen, Texas, reported consistent movement and favorable weather conditions, with transportation not posing any issues. Similarly, Chuck Hill of The Onion House in Weslaco, Texas, shared positive movement from his Olathe, Colorado, grower, with Utah's season anticipated to start in a few weeks and storage crop shipments beginning in October.
Source: Onion Business