Ohio is now shipping summer vegetables from several large grower/shipper operations, particularly in the central and western parts of the state. From Willard and Plymouth in the middle of the Buckeye State to Bowling Green and Napoleon further west, mixed veggies are being loaded, or will be soon.
Shipments have been on going for several weeks with radishes, cilantro, mustard greens and green onions. Starting in early to mid July are squash, peppers and sweet corn, with many other mixed veggies in lesser volume. Pumpkins will be a big item approaching fall.
Michigan
Michigan ranks nationally among the top three states in blueberry and tart cherry shipments and is third when it comes to apples. While Michigan technially ranks second as the most diverse producer of agricultural products behind California, it comes no where matching the West Coast in shipments. Many of its items are sold only in local roadside stands and farmer’s markets.
Michigan blueberry loadings get underway in early July, with tart cherries coming on after Independence Day.
July should have good volume with mixed veggies such as peppers, squash and sweet corn, plus many other items, although usually in smaller quantities.
After a disatrous apple shipping season for the 2012-13 season, this time around is much more promising. There should be plenty of apples, with smaller amouts of pears, peaches, and plums for hauling.
We’ll know more about your apple loading opportunities in late August when the first forecast for Michigan is released.
Ontario
Shippers near cities in this Canadian provence ranging from Oakland to Leamington and Scotland are loading trucks in light quantities, with volume expected to pick up significantly by the second week of July. Vegetables range from cucumbers to tomatoes, peppers sweet corn, beets, carrots, onions, parsnips and even some beets and kale.