NYSSA, Ore. — Owyhee Produce of Nyssa, ORE has announced their plan to create their own regenerative produce bags by converting hemp fibers sourced from their own crops. These compostable bags are set to be an available packing option releasing Spring 2020.
For the first time in their farming history, Owyhee Produce will start growing 500 acres of industrial hemp on their Oregon farm land, this year. The industrial hemp will be used to create CBD oil and the leftover fibers will be used to create compostable bags and other industrial materials. Excited to finally come full circle in their mindful efforts to develop plans in reducing carbon emissions, pollution and waste, company members have a renewed drive to make it happen.
“We know not everyone can commit to these types of standards today. However, for the most
demanding companies out there, those companies who have made the massive commitment to reduce carbon emissions, pollution, and waste, we are here,” explained Owyhee Produce General Manager Shay Myers. “We are among the most climate conscience and progressive farmers in the country and we want to partner with the best companies to make a difference.” In addition to producing compostable onion bags, Owyhee Produce has plans to strengthen the foundation of their motto, “There’s a difference!” by being responsible farmers for the future. The company plans for a cleaner greener future by 2022:
100% Compostable, Biodegradable or Recyclable Packaging
100% Regenerative
100% Carbon Neutral
25% Water Usage Reduction Per Acre
25% Fuel Use Reduction Per Acre
0% Monoculture
The regenerative idea just gained traction in recent years, due to the political climate of “going green,” but it has always been a part of the company’s best practices. While onions may be their most demanding crop, they only grow onions in each field once every 5 to 6 years. This rotation of crops restores the soil’s health naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizer or fumigants, which lessens their impact on the environment and maintains their commitment to yield high-quality produce. This is why a compostable bag made more sense to them, it breaks down faster and improves the soil’s health.
“It is our duty to ensure that tomorrow’s farmers are able to efficiently farm from our sustainable farming practices of today,” asserted Myers.
Every crop serves a purpose. As a part of their rotating crops, they plant: beans and peas to fix nitrogen levels in the soil. Beets, alfalfa, and corn for weed control. Corn, wheat, and hemp, to increase organic matter and soil health. Mustard and Mint are used as natural biofumigants to prevent pest infestations other soil born diseases.
About Owyhee Produce
Owyhee Produce started with humble beginnings in 1954, with Owen Froerer’s yearning to connect with the land and support his family. Three generations later, it is a hybrid farmer-agri-entrepreneurial family business that practices sustainable farming over 4,000 acres in Oregon and Idaho. The company proudly grows various produce at Froerer Farms for millions of consumers nationwide.
About 2 billion pounds of avocados from Mexico this season — an increase of about 6 percent over last year, are expected to be handled by U.S. importers.
Mexican avocado shipments are heaviest from October through May, although ships take place the year around..
McDaniel Fruit Co. of Fallbrook, CA sees good quality and volume imports coming from Mexico.
Calavo Growers Inc. of Santa Paula, CA expects steady avocado shipments with peak loadings taking place from January to April. Volume will start declining by the end of March or mid-April.
Del Rey Avocado Co. Inc., of Fallbrook, CA sees plenty of volume from Mexico until about June 1st. The company also does not expect a repeat of last season when a sharp decline in volume began in late May and early June.
Instead, the company expects shipments to be more steady throughout the season with a few spikes for special occasions such as the Super Bowl and Cinco de Mayo.
West Pak Avocado Inc. of Murrieta, CA sees good quality and significantly more shipments this season from Mexico.
The Giumarra Cos. of Los Angeles believes steady volume best describes this season.
Florida tomato shipments remain steady, and quality is reported to be good.
The Florida Tomato Exchange of Maitland, FL reports growing conditions have been great, while Hurricane Dorian did not have any impact.
While fall tomato shipments in Northern Florida have ended, Central Florida loadings have now taken over and will continue through winter. Volume similar to the past two years is expected. Round tomato volume should total around 26 million to 28 million boxes. Round, or mature green tomatoes usually account for about 70 percent of the Florida tomato shipments, with romas, cherry and plum varieties making up the balance.
The government required use of electronic logging devices is resulting in time replacing mileage as an indicator of truck rate values, according to a new report from the Transportation Intermediaries Association of Alexandria, VA.
The case study, called “Examining detention time in the marketplace: Driver’s hours matter,” is available for review online.
Mileage replaced weight as the top-used valuation for freight rates about 40 years ago after the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 “opened the floodgates” of competition, according to a news release.
At the time, the Interstate Commerce Commission no longer granted carriers operating authority for lanes with rate structures based on the poundage or “hundredweight” by freight type. The next shift, according to the association, came in December 2017 with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s electronic logging device rule.
“In an instant, time leap-frogged mileage for rate valuations and shippers and 3PLs began buying the driver’s time, not the mileage,” the release said.
The case study includes interviews with shippers, motor carriers and third-party logistic suppliers.
“TIA continues to examine issues that directly impact 3PLs, shippers and motor carriers,” Chris Burroughs, vice president of government affairs for TIA, said in the release. “These investigations allow all three entities involved to have open dialogue and identify solutions to problems that continue to plague the industry.”
Detention
The case study reported a detention survey by the American Transportation Research Institute was taken by drivers and motor carriers in 2014 and again in 2018. The survey concluded that customers “have not made real improvements to their staffing, processes, accuracy or efficiency across the four-year time period.”
And gains made in 2018 have since been given up with the softening freight market, according to one transportation supplier quoted by the case study.
“Now it is kind of like we are fighting for (detention pay) as carrier or 3PL,” said John Miller, chief executive of Plains Dedicated, a Champions Gate, Fla.-based asset and non-asset transportation provider.
The case study noted that companies that transport refrigerated loads tend to have more negative experiences with detention than other freight sectors. The study said most parties agree that it should be a billable event after a period of two “free” hours.
According to the case study, on March 15, Fresh Del Monte Produce changed its detention pay policies from paying after three hours to paying after two hours. By making the change, the company saw labor costs increase to more quickly get trucks in and out of its facilities. Del Monte officials said overall transportation costs went down, however, by paying less detention charges and getting more favorable rates, said Robert Savage, vice president of transportation and logistics of Fresh Del Monte Produce.
“It forces the wrong action when you set parameters in a manner that allows people to take their time since it is not costing them any money, but it really does,” he said in the study. “It costs the truck money and increases rates.”
The case study said that although shippers have the upper hand at the moment for rate negotiations, shippers and transportation suppliers agreed that detention should not be used as a bargaining chip.
Miller of Plains Dedicated said in the study that the company decided to stop doing business with one of its largest customers this year after the shipper changed its detention policy to save money. The shipper used to pay for detention on multi-stop shipments, but now only pays it on the final stop.
Kingsburg, California – HMC Farms® is excited to announce the launch of SpongeBob SquarePants™ and PAW Patrol™ branded ready-to-eat fresh grapes, a delicious snack the whole family can enjoy! The grapes are available in multipacks; each multipack contains five bags of washed and ready-to-eat grapes. The grapes are fresh off the stem, free from additives and preservatives, and are available year-round.
HMC Farms® believes that the SpongeBob SquarePants™ and PAW Patrol™ branded grapes will encourage kids and adults to eat more fresh fruit through fun, eye-catching graphics of their favorite characters as seen on Nickelodeon (PAW Patrol™ is produced by Spin Master Entertainment). The 2oz bags are the perfect grab-and-go snack, great for lunch boxes, sports events, or any time healthy snack options are desired on-the-go.
Chelsea McClarty Ketelsen of HMC Farms® is excited to introduce these packs and encourage kids to eat healthy “Kids and adults love grapes, and Nickelodeon’s characters are beloved by all. This is an incredible opportunity to add excitement to a fresh and healthy snack option: fruit.”
The collaboration was brought about by Lori Taylor of the Produce Moms, who has made it her mission to encourage everyone to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
About HMC Farms®
HMC Farms® is a family owned
and operated business that has grown fresh produce in California’s Central
Valley since 1887.
There’s good reason why Maine potatoes typically play second fiddle to midwestern and western potatoes, even though Maine is much closer to a huge portion of the nation’s population in the Northeastern and east coast markets. Potato shipping areas ranging from the Red River Valley to Idaho, Washington and California have better reputations for quality.
Can this year be different? Maine potato shipments are being touted by some as having more volume and better quality this season.
Cambridge Farms of South Easton, MA is a buying broker and shipper of potatoes that also has a branch office in Presque Ise, ME. The company is stating it believes this could be a year for Maine potato growers to “really showcase” their products, something they haven’t been able to do in recent years.
Maine potato shipments should continue into mid-March with lesser volume extending by some shippers into April.
Cambridge Farms has acknowledge the extensive penetration on the East Coast by Western potato producers at the expense note only Maine, Long Island, NY; and Virginia.
Maine Farmers Exchange, Presque Isle believes Maine potato shipments could receive a boost in demand because of smaller crops in Idaho and the Red River Valley.
While Maine ships primarily russets, it also has red, yellow and white potatoes.
While the russet burbank is grown mostly for processing in Maine, caribou russet can be used for processing and the fresh market.
About 50,000 acres of potatoes are planted in Maine, with about 30,000 acres producing potatoes for processers, McCains and Cavendish., The balance of the acreage divided among seed, chip stock and table stock.
Brothers Produce Inc.,* Friendswood, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $202,500,000 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh fruits and vegetables.
This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a 60-month contract with no option periods.
Location of performance is Texas, with a Nov. 3, 2024, performance completion date. Using customers are Department of Agriculture schools. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-20-D-S736).
Frank Gargiulo & Son Inc.,* Hillside, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $16,483,500 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh fruits and vegetables.
This was a competitive acquisition with one response received.
This is a 54-month contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are New Jersey and New York, with a May 3, 2024, performance completion date. Using customers are Department of Agriculture schools. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-20-D-S737).
A North Carolina sweet potato grower and shipper is promoting the health benefits of North Carolina Sweet potatoes this season.
Nash Produce of Nashville, N.C. reports sweet potatoes are becoming very popular because it is packed with fiber in addition to many essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the sweet potato is a well-rounded product that doesn’t require a lot of extra effort.
The company notes Consumers are increasingly interested in incorporating the tasty tuber in their snacks and meals, whether with restaurants or at their local supermarket.
Nash Produce plans to highlight the value of health and versatility of the sweet potato this year as studies are showing health benefits to consuming sweet potatoes due to their naturally high levels in beta-carotene, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA.-based Allen Lund Company (ALC) has been named as one of the Los Angeles Business Journal 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in Los Angeles for 2019.
“It is very gratifying to be recognized in the “Fastest Growing Private Company” category as we see ourselves as a growth company, even though we have been in business for almost 44 years,” Edward Lund, president of ALC, said a news release. “We look to continue to grow in the very dynamic logistics industry for many years to come.”
The Allen Lund Company is a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 550 employees, according to a news release and also has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics and an international division.
Lower Rio Grande Valley shipments are looking good for the coming months.
The International Produce Association of Mission, TX reports ideal growing conditions.
Val Verde Vegetable of McAllen, TX reports truck supplies are expected to be adequate for produce shipments. It was only two years South Texas shippers were scrambling for trucks. The company cited one factor then was when electronic logbooks were just being implemented.
Citrus Shipments
Texas citrus shipments are looking good for the 2019-20 season. The USDA predicts the non-Valencia orange shipments at 2.05 million boxes, down 2.2 million boxes from a year ago. However, this is up the 1.53 million boxes two years ago. Texas Valencia orange volume is forecast at 650,000 boxes, an increase from 290,000 boes last year and 350,000 cartons two years ago.
Texas grapefruit shipments is predicted to be 5.7 million boxes, down from 6.1 million boxes a year ago but up from 4.8 million boxes two years ago.
The USDA said that domestic grapefruit shipments in calendar year 2018 totaled 191.5 million pounds, down from 203.6 million pounds in 2017 and also off from 205.8 million pounds.
However, grapefruit exports from Texas totaled 16.5 million pounds, up from 5.9 million pounds in 2017 and 1.3 million pounds in 2016.
2018 shipments of Texas oranges totaled 106.7 million pounds, up from 99.1 million pounds in 2017 and higher than 103.6 million pounds in 2016.
Vegetable Shipments
During November, volume was building kale, cilantro and cabbage with excellent quality reported.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that Texas cabbage shipments in 2018 totaled 85.7 million pounds, down from 120.5 million pounds in 2017 and off from 128.7 million pounds 2016. Shipments peaked December to March.
Texas shipments of greens totaled 13.1 million pounds in 2018, down from 14.1 million pounds in 2017.
Texas onion growers finished planting in November. South Texas onions are available March into July.
In 2018, shipments of Texas onions totaled 283.7 million pounds, compared with 199.2 million pounds in 2017 and 209.2 million pounds in 2016.
Acreage of onions in south Texas has not yet been estimated, but acreage in the past couple of years has ranged from 6,500 to 7,500 acres.
The “great grandfather” of onion varieties is the 1015, but now there are many more varieties, including the 1105, the 1110 and others.
“I don’t think the trucking situation is going to be a factor like it was two years ago when e-log (requirements) started up. There is plenty of equipment around.”
Citrus
Prospects are looking good for Texas citrus in the 2019-20 season.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast the non-valencia orange output at 2.05 million boxes, down from 2.2 million boxes last year but up from 1.53 million boxes two years ago. Valencia orange output in Texas is forecast by the USDA at 650,000 boxes, up from 290,000 boxes last year and 350,000 cartons two years ago.
Texas grapefruit production is forecast at 5.7 million boxes, down from 6.1 million boxes a year ago but up from 4.8 million boxes two years ago.
“The Texas citrus crop had a great bloom and a good set,” Galeazzi said. “We’re expecting to see some very good sizes of grapefruit and oranges.”
The USDA said that domestic grapefruit shipments in calendar year 2018 totaled 191.5 million pounds, down from 203.6 million pounds in 2017 and also off from 205.8 million pounds.
However, grapefruit exports from Texas totaled 16.5 million pounds, up from 5.9 million pounds in 2017 and 1.3 million pounds in 2016.
2018 shipments of Texas oranges totaled 106.7 million pounds, up from 99.1 million pounds in 2017 and higher than 103.6 million pounds in 2016.
Looking ahead
Kale, parley, cilantro and cabbage were increasing in November, and quality in the field has been stellar, Galeazzi said.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that Texas cabbage shipments in 2018 totaled 85.7 million pounds, down from 120.5 million pounds in 2017 and off from 128.7 million pounds 2016. Shipments peaked December to March.
Texas shipments of greens totaled 13.1 million pounds in 2018, down from 14.1 million pounds in 2017.
Texas onion growers will finish up planting in November. South Texas onions are available March into July.
In 2018, shipments of Texas onions totaled 283.7 million pounds, compared with 199.2 million pounds in 2017 and 209.2 million pounds in 2016.
Acreage of onions in south Texas has not yet been estimated, but acreage in the past couple of years has ranged from 6,500 to 7,500 acres.
The “great grandfather” of onion varieties is the 1015, but now there are many more varieties, including the 1105, the 1110 and others.
