Stable market conditions and promising crop yields reported across multiple U.S. regions despite extreme weather challenges
Market Overview
Five Points, California: Mike Smythe of Telesis Onion provided an update on August 7, reporting that their packing season is nearing completion. The extreme heat, with nearly 45 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 100°F, has characterized this summer as one of the hottest on record. Despite these challenging conditions, the quality of onions this season has been exceptional. Telesis Onion will finish packing reds and whites by August 8, and yellows are expected to be completed by next Wednesday. Smythe expressed gratitude for the successful season and extended well wishes to Pacific Northwest shippers.
Bronx, NY: Lou Getzelman with Canyon Sales Co. at the Hunts Point Market shared on August 7 that the market remains stable, with demand holding steady. Despite ongoing transitions, there has been minimal change in the prices of red and yellow onions. New York jumbo yellows have started slowly but are expected to pick up in the coming week, although recent weather has complicated harvesting efforts. The market is seeing a steady supply of onions from various regions, including California, Washington, New Mexico, and the Northeast. Transportation costs remain low, with trucks readily available.
Walla Walla, Washington: Michael Locati from Locati Farms and Pacific Agra Farms reported on August 7 that their crews are close to completing the harvest, with shipping expected to continue through August. The transition to the Northwest’s new crop is underway, and Locati expressed appreciation for the support throughout the season. Planning for the 2025 Walla Walla Sweet Onions planting is already in motion, with the first planting scheduled for September.
Idaho/Washington/California/New Mexico/Mexico/Spain: Rick Greener of Greener Produce in Ketchum, ID, highlighted what he describes as the best transition he has ever witnessed. California’s onions are wrapping up with excellent quality, while the Northwest’s early onions are also showing good quality. The market is largely stable, except for some fluctuations in white onions. The availability of trucks is high, and freight costs are favorable. Greener noted that buyers are seeking a wide range of onion sizes and types, including specialty varieties like boilers, Cipollinis, and pearls.
New Mexico, California, Washington, Oregon: John Vlahandreas of Wada Farms in Salem, OR, observed that demand has remained strong, defying the typical slowdown associated with the “dog days of summer.” Shipping operations are transitioning smoothly from California to Washington, with no significant quality issues reported. The market for whites remains strong, with jumbo yellows and reds also holding firm. Transportation continues to be stable, with ample truck availability.
New Mexico/Mexico: James Johnson of Carzalia Valley Produce in Columbus, NM, reported that their Mexico season has concluded, and the New Mexico season is approximately three-quarters complete. The weather has been favorable, contributing to a successful growing season. Carzalia Valley’s use of the LaserWeeder from Carbon Robotics continues to enhance efficiency, replacing the need for 50-60 manual laborers with a single machine.
Crop Update
Colorado Western Slope: David DeBerry of Southwest Onion Growers in McAllen, TX, shared insights from his recent visit to the Delta, CO production area. DeBerry anticipates an above-average crop in both yield and bulb size, with a Labor Day start expected. The weather has been ideal, and disease pressure is low, setting the stage for a robust harvest of all three onion colors.
Bakersfield, CA: Megan Jacobsen of Gills Onions in Oxnard, CA, provided a visual update on the July 18 onion harvest at Rio Farms in Bakersfield. Despite the intense summer heat, the farm’s “Farm to Table” efforts continue to thrive, with a successful harvest contributing to the ongoing supply chain.
