South Carolina watermelon shipments got underway in May and North Carolina is joining the watermelon season ramping up this month.
Totaling about 2,500 truckloads in 2021, South Carolina’s red-flesh seedless watermelon crop represents one of the state’s biggest fresh produce crops.
The USDA reported shipments in 2021 of South Carolina red-flesh seedless watermelon beginning in May and ending in August. After minor volume in May, June shipments accounted for 39% of annual volume. July saw peak volume, with about 59% of the annual volume shipped.
In 2021, shipments of South Carolina red-flesh seeded watermelon were active in June and July, with reported shipments of about 33 (40,000 pound) truckloads. Shipments in June accounted for about 80% of 2021 volume.
In the 2021 South Carolina had an estimated watermelon harvested area of about 3,800 acres and production of 1.33 million cwt. The crop yielded $13.4 per cwt, for a total value of $17.75 million.
In North Carolina, the USDA reported that 2021 red-flesh seedless watermelon shipments totaled 4,503 truckloads.
2021 shipments for North Carolina red-flesh seedless watermelons began in June and concluded in October.
The percentage of annual watermelon shipments in 2021 were: June (less than 1%), July (40%), August (54%), September (5%) and October (1%).
North Carolina’s red-flesh seeded watermelon shipments mustered 236 truckloads, with volume reported in July (70% of annual volume) and August (30%).
North Carolina’s harvested watermelon acreage was reported at 9,300 acres in 2021, with the total crop production at 2.5 million cwt valued at $36 million.
Good growing conditions is resulting in fruit and vegetable shipments originating from a number of areas in Georgia.
Baker Farms in Norman Park, GA., focuses primarily on leafy green growing and shipping. Collards are the biggest crop, followed by kale, but other products include cilantro, beets and Swiss chard.
The farm grows year-round, though in July and August sources product from North Carolina, Ohio and Michigan, because of the heat in Georgia. Baker’s produce ships across the country to retail and wholesale accounts and to Canada, though most of it stays on the East Coast.
The company reports this year is shaping up well, with better weather than last year.
At G&R Farms in Glennville, GA this year’s good weather has improved the quality of its sweet onions – Vidalias and Peruvian sweet. G&R reports a 15% to 20% increase in yields on a couple of fields.
Shuman Farms of Reidsville, GA grows, packs and ships Vidalia onions in Reidsville, as well as in Texas, Mexico and Peru. The company is one of the largest Vidalia shippers and harvests 2,350 of the 10,000 acres harvested by the industry. Shuman ships to retailers across the U.S.
The company notes its storages are full and expects good availability throughout the rest of the spring and summer.
Bland Farms, Glennville, GA., also grows a lot of onions, primarily Vidalia, Peru sweet onions and Mexican sweet onions. Bland reports a good harvest this season.
The grower/shipper also produces sweet potatoes in partnership with Sand Candy. This partnership will allow the company to provide customers with a consistent and secure supply of sweet potatoes due to its diversified growing areas in North Carolina and Georgia.
Agriculture is a big factor in the economy of Georgia. In 2020, it contributed $69.4 billion in output to the state’s $1.1 trillion economy. Vegetables contributed 10.1% of that; and fruit and nuts 6.0%, according to the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development at the University of Georgia in Athens.
On the vegetable side, sweet corn contributes the most to the economy (14.0%), followed by watermelons (12.8%), onions (10.8%), bell peppers (10.8%) and cucumbers 6.4%).
And while Georgia may be known for its peaches, it’s blueberries that provide the most dollars to the state’s $2.2 billion fruit economy. The tiny berries make up 42.4% of the whole, followed by pecans (41.5%), peaches (38.5%), grapes (8.7%) and blackberries (3.7%).
With scores of farms — almost 42,500 — and a lot of farmland (almost 10 million acres), Georgia’s produce grows year-round, though with a dip in the hottest months of July and August.
A drought can adversely affect many sides of the supply chain industry, in particular, produce.
In areas that rely on rainfall for agricultural production, a drought can reduce crop harvest numbers and greatly affect farm profitability. Droughts can also affect the amount of snowfall and water flow needed for diversions to transport water to irrigated farmlands. These nfluences can lead to undesirable outcomes across all levels of the economy.
On a local level, farm income is reduced and the food processing sector is negatively impacted. On a national level, produce experiences price increases. The drought the Western U.S. is now experiencing has a lot to do with climate change and has had an enormous bearing on the agricultural industry. In particular, the Southwestern states of California and Arizona, where about two-thirds of the country’s vegetables, fruits and nuts are produced.
According to the California Department of Food & Agriculture, “California alone averages $50 billion in annual revenue in the agriculture industry.” In the past year, the drought has caused a $1.2 billion direct loss in California agriculture.
The snowfall in Nevada and Colorado mountains are a big contributor to the Colorado River, but with hotter weather in recent years, the snow melts a lot sooner in the year. This has consequently led to snowmelt contributing less and less water with each succeeding year.
The Colorado River is the core of the Southwest. Since the 1920s it has been providing water and power to seven states, including the 30 Native American tribes that reside in the Colorado River Basin. Until recently, the river has been running dry due to the severe drought. Lake Powell and Lake Mead are amongst the largest reservoirs in the United States. In 2000 they were full, but today only sit at 30% capacity, according to Brad Udall at Colorado State University.
Out of major concern, the water leaders in Arizona, Nevada and California signed an infamous drought agreement in 2019 that allows states to cut back on water usage. This cut back has been a huge strain on communities in California and Arizona, shrinking water supplies to tens of millions of people and farms that produce 90% of the country’s green leafed vegetables. Cruel evidence can be seen in Pinal County in Arizona, where acres of once planted land now lay unplanted, deserted by their previous farmers. Farmers fear that a decline in farm productivity, as a result of water shortages, will result in less profit for them.
A consequence of higher costs to maintain water supplies, will lead to higher produce prices for consumers across the country.
“This production increase in costs is affecting local governments as well as workers who transport food products.”, said Danny Merkley, director of water resources for the California Farm Bureau. Dwindling wells and dried up canals from less ground water to go around prompted President Joe Biden to sign the bipartisan infrastructure bill in November. The bill will help provide several billion dollars to Arizona and California farms.
With produce season around the corner, only time will tell which direction this year’s produce season should follow. The produce season in the Southwest will depend on the elasticity of supply and demand. What is certain, though, is this drought is harming our farmlands and as a result we need to better conserve our water usage. If we do not, we’ll find ourselves in an even tighter supply chain.
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Jenilee Curley is a transportation broker in the ALC Phoenix office. She attended Arizona State University and received a degree in Supply Chain Management, before obtaining a Master’s in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics from Grand Canyon University.
North Carolina’s potato growers will deliver big volume of fresh and chipping potatoes this summer in a relatively short marketing period.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina Sweet Potato Association reports much of the state’s potato production is located near Elizabeth City in the northeast coastal part of the state.
The bulk of the state’s crop is grown within about 100 miles of the coast.
Harvest usually starts in mid-June and extends through July. Good growing conditions have been reported.
The area harvested typically runs close to 16,000 acres, with variations up or down depending on chip market needs.
North Carolina grows red, yellow and white potatoes for fresh use, and growers also plant potato varieties demanded by chip processors. About 30% of the state’s output goes for fresh or table stock, while about 70% of the crop goes to the chip market.
Last year, the USDA said North Carolina shipped about 820,000 pounds of round red potatoes from June through August, with peak shipments in July. North Carolina yellow potato shipments in 2021 totaled 4.12 million pounds in June and July, with July accounting for about two-thirds of shipments.
Following the new crop harvest in Florida’s Hastings region, fresh North Carolina potatoes are shipped up and down the East Coast and sometimes into Canada.
YUMA, AZ – The collaborative efforts between Natural Delights and registered dietitians are consistent and ongoing to bring Medjool dates to the forefront of shoppers’ minds.
In the last year, Natural Delights has added 500,000 new consumers to the brand thanks to its extensive marketing efforts1. As part of these efforts, the brand has significantly expanded its registered dietitian program to reach people where they most actively seek information regarding their health.
“Growing the category has been a priority for the brand and our growers since day one, so partnering with experts and influencers in the health and wellness space is a strategic part of our ongoing marketing efforts,” said David Baxter, director of marketing for Natural Delights. “Whether they are sampling our products in-store or at their local hospitals, or sharing online and via television segments, we are extremely grateful that they use their trusted voices to help us grow the brand, and ultimately household penetration.”
This year, Natural Delights created several new downloadable resources on the most requested topics of gut health, pregnancy health, diabetic health, and more. Registered dietitians with expertise in each area authored these resources and produced corresponding video content to be shared on social media and the brand’s growing YouTube page.
Additionally, Natural Delights works closely with media and influencer dietitians to reach the masses with relevant content to help people make healthier choices throughout the year. Most recently, the brand partnered with Carissa Galloway and Amy Goodson to talk about National Nutrition Month and why Natural Delights products are the perfect healthy (and tasty) addition to snacks and meals.
“Natural Delights is a dream brand to work with as a registered dietitian because their product is so widely available and I trust the quality since I’ve been eating them for years,” said Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD. “Most people don’t realize that Medjool dates are a whole fresh fruit and that they boast of so many nutritional benefits. I love that Natural Delights partners with registered dietitians to help set the record straight about this naturally sweet, wholesome (and, might I add, delicious) fruit.”
For more information about Natural Delights, including to download the newest health & wellness resources, visit naturaldelights.com.
About Bard Valley Natural Delights®
Natural Delights® Medjool Dates, the leading Medjool date brand in the country, is a naturally sweet, whole fresh fruit grown in Bard Valley at the intersection of Arizona, California and Mexico where its very specific set of growing conditions are met.
WENATCHEE, Wash. –With good blooms, promotable volumes, and jumbo sizes, this year’s 100% certified organic apricot crop has the potential to be big. Stemilt’s Washington apricots are back mid-June through July with highest volume from July 4th onwards.
“This year’s crop of Artisan Organics™ apricots are bringing good volume based on the blooms we’ve seen which will host a great organic deal at Stemilt,” the company reports. “While California is the main apricot growing region, Washington is expecting a great crop this year.”
The Douglas family grows all Stemilt’s apricots, peaches, and nectarines 100% organically in Pasco, WA in the Columbia Basin where a rain shadow makes for the optimal growing location for stone fruit. The family is committed to using only the best organic practices to pick stone fruit at just the right stage of ripeness for the best flavor, quality, and size.
Stemilt is a family-owned grower, packer, and shipper of tree fruit. Owned and operated by the Mathison family. The company is a leader in sweet cherries and organic tree fruits, and a key supplier of apples and pears.
A smaller volume U.S. apple crop was generally thought heading into the 2021-22 season. Now it is becoming a bit more average entering the later part of the shipping season.
In November, the first storage report for the 2021-2022 apple crop from the U.S. Apple Association showed domestic inventories on Nov. 1 were 7.1% below the same time in 2020.
In the most recent USAppleTracker report, however, fresh apples in storage on May 1 were 41.2 million bushels cartons, 8.5% more than the inventories reported for last May but similar to the five-year average.
The report said processing holdings totaled 17 million bushels, 1% more than last year on May 1. The total number of U.S. apples in storage on May 1 was 58.2 million bushels, 6.2% more than last May’s total of 54.8 million bushels and 0.1% more than the 5-year average for that date.
Total U.S. domestic and imported apple shipments reported the week of May 1-7 were 3,018 (40,000-pound) truckloads, the USDA said, down about 3% compared with the same period a year ago. Imports, mostly from Chile, accounted for 5% of total supplies shipped up from 4% import share the same week last year.
When it comes to creating better eating habits, often the most challenging part is putting the actions needed to improve into practice. Mindful eating provides specific tactics that can easily be applied to help improve overall health and wellness. Mindful Eating may sound like just another dietary trend but in reality, it is a concept designed to help people make conscious decisions around how and when they are fueling their body.
PLANTS FIRST
Because of how important fruits and vegetables are as a source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, they should always be a priority to include in your daily meals and snacks. Many people are aware of this already, but it’s always great to be more intentional about putting plants first. When considering meals, not only should at least one portion of veggies be included, but that should be what you eat first on your plate. The consistency of vegetables and fruits allow for a quicker digestive process than meats and starches. Your digestive system will thank you if you start with the food that breaks down the fastest.
You will further benefit by making sure that the plant portion of your meal is a hefty size. By filling up your plate with what’s best for your body, you’ll eat less of what is not as healthy. Practicing this tip will help you feel lighter on your feet and more energized afterwards. In short, make your plant portions are the hero of your meals. Pure Flavor® offers flavourful, fresh, and nutrient-packed greenhouse grown produce so having the veggies you need will never be a problem, no matter the season. If you’re looking for some ideas of veggie heavy meals, try out Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, Mediterranean Poutine and Winter Kale Chicken Salad. They are full of flavor and sure to please everyone around the table.
EAT FREQUENTLY
Traditionally, people have been taught to make sure to eat three square meals a day in order to fuel their bodies properly. Eating three times a day is okay but eating smaller meals 5-6 times a day is even better! This tip may come across counter-productive for healthy habits, because how could eating more food be better for your health, but it makes perfect sense.
Rather than three primary meals per day, decrease the portions of your traditional meals and add in small, healthy snacks between those meals. Doing this will keep your digestive system active all day long. Being active on the outside is not the only way to burn calories. Your body burns calories from the inside as well. So, the more your digestive system works, the more calories you burn, even during the times you’re being still. With all the calories you’ll be burning, your metabolism will also get a boost. Pure Flavor® proudly offers a full line of healthy and convenient snacking vegetables. With a selection of Tomatoes, Cucumbers and Peppers, there is something for everyone’s taste and packed for easy, on-the-go access.
TAKE YOUR TIME
Life is busy and sometimes meals are squeezed in between errands and activities. The tip of taking your time to eat will require you to be a bit more intentional, as many of us eat too fast. But you will find that taking your time to eat will benefit you in many ways.
The primary benefit is to your health. If you are eating a meal in five minutes or less, it is likely difficult to gauge if your food portion is what your body needs. It is easy to over-eat when eating fast. Eating slower allows you listen to your belly when it tells you it’s full. Eating slower is also good for your digestive system. The food you’ve eaten will travel through your system much smoother when it’s not passing through in a huge clump. Another added tactic to help you slowdown is to ensure you’re chewing your food well.
Taking advantage of these tips to slow down also have secondary benefits that naturally occur as a result. Think about it, if you are eating slower, won’t you be able to enjoy your food more? And if you are taking your time, you’ve created an opportunity to strengthen relationships with those you might be eating with. The pros outweigh the cons by far.
DRINK MORE WATER
Considering the human body is mostly made up of water, it should be clear that water consumption needs to be maintained for our bodies to function as intended. Most people will drink a few glasses of water in the day, but most people walking around are likely a bit dehydrated. The average person should consume a minimum of 2L of water every day to be properly hydrated.
Often, hunger is misinterpreted for thirst causing people to eat more when really, they’re just thirsty. If you’re starting to feel hunger coming on, try to drink a glass of water first before defaulting to eating. You might find a glass of water will satisfy you and keep you from consuming food your body didn’t need. Aside from preventing over-eating, you’ll also gain more energy, boost your metabolism, improve quality of sleep, and increase clarity of mind by staying properly hydrated.
Other than drinking water, there are foods we eat that can also contribute toward hydrating the body. Cucumbers are a great example as they consist of upwards of 95% water! Working cucumbers into your daily diet will boost hydration, along with providing many other nutrients your body needs. Make sure to check out some delicious cucumber meal recipes like Garlic Cucumber Salad, Salmon Sushi Bowland Cucumber Pico Tostadas for your next meals.
ACCOUNTABILITY
When trying to live in a way that is mindful of our health, it is usually easier to maintain accountability with a friend or partner. Having someone to hold you accountable will help you think twice before making food choices, rather than be impulsive or fall into old habits. Plus, as with most things in life, it’s usually more enjoyable when you don’t have to go it alone. Being able to share recipes, progress reports, and future health goals with someone can help keep us on track.
It is also motivating to have someone to celebrate both small and large victories with. A sense of accomplishment can be a strong motivating factor to continue with healthy choices, and it only grows stronger with every achievement and benchmark reached.
It is important to stay mindful of how you are fuelling your body on a daily basis. By practicing these, and another Mindful Eating techniques, you may find yourself not only more aware of what you are eating and drinking, but also see how much better certain foods make you feel. By choosing always in season, greenhouse grown vegetables as part of your meal planning it is the first step in making lasting, healthy habit. Thank you Pure Flavor®
Northwest cherry shipments are expected to be up slightly with more than 15 million 20-pound equivalents this season. This is about 5 million fewer than last year, according to the Round 1 Crop Estimate and Update issued by Northwest Cherry Growers of Yakima, WA on May 12.
Harvesting in the earliest orchards got underway May 28 with most early season growers starting the first week of June.
It takes the industry at least 10 days to begin building larger volumes.
The early season volume out of the Northwest should make for an nice transition from this year’s California crop.
Some unseasonably cold weather in April is primarily to blame for the smaller Northwest cherry crop.
However, this is expected to increase supplies for both early and late-season cherry supplies.
The 2021 crop estimate of 24 million 20-pound boxes was reduced to 20.3 million boxes by the heat that hit 118 degrees in several growing districts.
Western Sweet Cherry Group of Yakima, WA is expected to begin its new crop sometime between June 10 and 12. Grower Direct Marketing LLC of Stockton, CA. markets product for Western Sweet Cherry Group.
The cherry crop is much later crop than usual, because it usually starts around Memorial Day.
Stemilt Growers Inc. of Wenatchee, WA. claims it has the nation’s longest cherry season and expects volume of cherries in July and August. The crop is expected to be more spread out leading to a longer shipping period.
Sage Fruit of Yakima will add cherries from Chelan Fruit this season, so the company’s overall volume should be up.
Cherry season is right around the corner. The Pacific Northwest cherry season typically begins in early June and continues until late August.
A typical season will see 20-25 million boxes of cherries harvested in Oregon and Washington. Cherries are generally picked, chilled, and loaded onto a truck within 24-48 hours. Peak season usually coincides with the 4th of July. Many refrigerated carriers across the country plan their loads around cherry season every year.
April 2022 saw record low temperatures in Washington and Oregon. A cold spring brings many obstacles for local cherry growers. Several publications have predicted cherries to start later and the crop to be smaller than usual. Some predict the overall crop will be between 20% and 35% smaller than in the previous five years.
The Seattle Times warned that a cool April will also affect bees, as they struggle to pollinate the cherry blossoms. Less fruit available will also mean each box will have increased value due to basic supply and demand. This is a stark contrast to what growers were facing last year. In April 2021, the Pacific Northwest saw record high temperatures that reduced the cherry crop by 20%, according to Fruit Growers News.
Overall, many growers remain optimistic as the season approaches. Delayed cherry harvest in some growing regions may extend the season, which could be profitable for cherry producers in the Pacific Northwest. Most growers agree that the fruit will be high quality and ready for consumers to enjoy in the first few weeks of June.
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Lisa Towner began her career with the Allen Lund Company as a transportation broker in 2002. She was promoted to assistant manager in the Portland office in 2015. In 2022, Towner was promoted to manager ALC Portland. Her transportation career began back in 2000 when she worked at the corporate headquarters for a national LTL company.
