Posts Tagged “Idaho oranges”

Oranges, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes

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Oranges, potatoes and sweet potatoes are among the larger volume produce items shipped during the bleak, cold winter months.   In a recession (or is it a depression?) that has been going on for at least three years, big crops of potatoes mean good movement (loading opportunities) as cash strapped consumers look for something less expensive to eat.

Idaho easily leads the nation in potato shipments.  Rails haul a lot of them, but there are only so many rail cars and tracks, so big rigs are still hauling the marjority of the product.  Idaho potato shipments are expected to be up 6%, while the nation as a whole is up 7%…..As for sweet potatoes, eastern North Carolina has the most shipments, with loadings also available from California, Louisiana and Mississippi.  Total loads are forecast to be up 13% over a year ago.

As for oranges, Florida expects to ship 147 million boxes compared to 58 million boxes for California.   Florida is up some from the previous season, while California is down slightly.  Florida’s forecast could eventually be reduced some if a recent freeze damages some of the citrus. 

California sweet potatoes – grossing about $4800 to Atlanta.

North Carolina sweet potatoes – $2200 to Detroit.

Florida citrus – $2000 to Baltimore.

Idaho potatoes – $3400 to Dallas.

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