Potatoes
Idaho: Potato demand is moderate on consumer packs and similar count cartons, while demand on 40 ct. – 70 ct. is fairly good. Prices remain steady, but truck and rail shortages continue to hinder movement.
Colorado: Demand for potatoes has slowed in Colorado but pricing remains steady. Trucks are still short in the region.
Washington: The potato market remains steady in Washington with the only price variation happening with sizing changes. The biggest issue in Washington is transportation. RailEx does have the ability to get loads out at a published rate but is having truck issues at the other end. We don’t anticipate any big changes now through February.
Wisconsin: Potato demand still exceeds offerings and prices are holding firm. FOB’s on cartons are running $2 – $3 higher per case than in Idaho. Truck availability is also still an issue.
Transportation
The national truck situation remains tight. We don’t know if it’s being caused by weather or the ELD implementation. Transportation rates are being reported at 20-30% higher than one year ago in many shipping areas.
We know that the ELD mandate has slowed shipments as much as a day which will affect a truck’s ability to make speedy returns. All things considered, it appears this may be closer to the new “normal,” and it’s having an effect on all facets of the produce industry.
Onions
Idaho/Eastern Oregon: The onion market has remained unusually high since harvest. Normally, with the supplies that appear to be available we should see the market rising, however, transportation has halted much of that potential. Shippers are short on railcars and trucks so shipments are not as strong as they once were thought to be, resulting in higher prices due to freight costs, not product supply. Normally, we would see the FOB’s inching up now but due to the lack of transportation that’s not been the case. Expect tight trucks for the next couple weeks.
Washington: Washington onions are suffering the same fate as Idaho/Oregon. They do have a bit better rate on RailEx but the truck issue is the same in the East. Washington growers and shippers are looking at a longer shipping season because of supplies. Exporting has been steady.
Utah: Quality has been very good. By the end of the month, Utah will be down to just a few shippers and if transportation improves we expect them to push price.
Colorado: Finish date depends on the region in Colorado. Transportation has slowed down some shippers but generally will have its normal season. Quality has been good but they are finishing up.
Mexico: Mexico onions are projected to start shipping in limited volume by January 22nd. Heavy volume will follow within two weeks with a break in late February between the early and late crops.