POTATOES:
IDAHO: Demand is light and prices are steady. Idaho has seen some slippage on cartons but consumers and 2’s seem to be holding their own.
COLORADO: Colorado is watching its supplies closely, thinking they may come up short. Demand is a bit slow but unless there is severe price pressure from other areas we don’t see much change in this market.
WASHINGTON: Washington’s demand is quite as seems to be the case with potatoes in general. Like most areas, Washington is seeing some concern about running out of potatoes but unless demand improves that might not be a problem.
WISCONSIN: Wisconsin has some concerns about a short crop and some potential quality issues due to some weather issues during harvest, however, at this point they are holding their market and moving forward based on orders.
ONIONS:
IDAHO/OREGON: The Treasure Valley is moving through their crop as expected. While prices have slipped some in recent weeks they are still moving forward with the crop. Some shippers have finished for the season and this has helped others keep their crops moving. Most shippers tell us they are generally on track to finish about normally.
TEXAS (MEXICAN): The quality of the new crop remains excellent and with good weather and weaker prices in Mexico there continues to be a heavy supply crossing the border. Prices, as expected, have come down to about the same as old crop. This is creating issues in both old and new crop for receivers, switch or don’t switch.
WASHINGTON: Onions in Washington are moving like onions everywhere else, however, that has been some export business but not as much in previous years. It appears to be about average. The market has stayed steady but there is some optimism in the Washington shippers as they believe Idaho/Oregon will finish early and California will be late. We don’t see Idaho/Oregon being completely out before the end of April and our source tell us the California crop is coming along nicely. We shall see.
LOGISTICS:
Trucks have loosened up in the Northwest but rates are higher. While some are more competitive with those prior to the ELD/Christmas crunch as a general rule, rates are higher. Flatbed trucks seem to be available in South Texas but reefers are still a bit tight. If you can use a flatbed you will save some money on freight and probably get your shipment out on time.
Rail transportation hasn’t changed since the first of the season. Idaho/Oregon seem to have the biggest issue with rail but even Idaho potatoes have experienced some railcar shortages. Rail rates have gone up some because of increased truck rates as well. Rail EX’s rates are nearly the same as truck rates. Their advantage is you can get them loaded but it will be 10 to 15 days before you see the onions.