The region is in the midst of what could be the second-hottest summer on record, and yellow iris virus is thriving in isolated areas, but onion shippers in Idaho and eastern Oregon report the 2013 crop overall should be very similar to 2012’s in both quantity and quality.
Just watch watching is being put in the truck.
The onion harvest started in mid August and should hit full swing around September 9th.
Some reports of “limited” quality problems with the crop have surfaced. Folks that’s like admitting your kid is ugly. Again, just watch your loading. It may be okay, but use caution. The big red flag is the region is experiencing big time heat. Onions hate too much heat.
On schedule
The Idaho-eastern Oregon onion shipments typically follows those in New Mexico and California, and looks to be on schedule.
There are about 21,000 acres of onions in the region, which traditionally produces about 1 billion pounds annually. The Treasure Valley area is the largest single producing region in the country, accounting about 25 percent of the onions shipped the USA.
Yellow virus threatens crop
Growers in the Malheur region are reporting the yellow iris virus is hitting hard in some isolated spots. However, it’s too early to tell how severe losses could be, but no doubt there will be some losses. The virus is carried by thrips, a nasty looking little insect.
Idaho/Oregon onions grossing – about $3400 to Chicago.