Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
Looking ahead to the up coming season, Wisconsin potatoes shipments are expected to be average….In California, grape shipments should end up with another big time shipping season.
We’re still a few weeks away from the beginning of harvest for Wisconsin potatoes, which will continue through October. As the nation’s third largest shippers of potatoes behind Idaho and Colorado, the Badger States has about 110 potato farmers, who together grow about 63,000 acres of spuds. From season to season Wisconsin typically ships around 25 million to 28 million cwt., depending on the yields.
The USDA reports fresh shipments of Wisconsin potatoes in calendar year 2017 totaled 7.3 million cwt., while chipper potato shipments were 6.69 million cwt. and seed potato shipments were 1.635 million cwt.
Wisconsin organic fresh potato shipments totaled 45,000 cwt., reports the USDA.
California Grape Shipments
California grape shipments continue to increase each year as its popularity among consumers continue to grow. Total shipments this season are expected to once again exceed 100 million boxes.
Early season grapes from the San Joaquin Valley has brought a significant increase in several newer table grape varieties and an overall increase in volume compared to a year ago, according to The California Table Grape Commission, based in Fresno, CA. However, grape shipments from the Coachella Valley, which final figures come out, are expected to show a decrease. Coachella shipments ended over a month ago.
The Commission’s 2018 crop estimate, which was released in late April, projected it would have 115 million 19-pound-equivillent boxes thanks to an increase in those grown in the San Joaquin Valley.
At the same time, the Coachella Valley is expected to have approximately 4.5 million boxes, down from nearly 5 million cases a year earlier.
It remains to be seen how the July heat wave in California will affect grape shipments.
California is home to more than 85 grape varieties, with red, green and black all available from May through early January. Last year, the state saw more than 109 million boxes shipped, headed to approximately 55 countries with a crop value of nearly $1.81 billion.
by Stemilt Growers
WENATCHEE, Wash. – The Northwest pear crop is looking promising this year, with about 20 million boxes expected to be packed and shipped. Stemilt, an industry leader in both conventional and organic varieties expects to shipper around 12 percent of the crop.
“Harvest is trending a week ahead of last year, with increased crop volumes over last season,” said Brianna Shales, communications manager at Stemilt.
Shipments of Tosca and Bartlett pears get underway the week of August 20, followed by Starkrimson the following week. The majority of Stemilt’s Tosca pears are certified organic and available under the Artisan Organics™ brand. Tosca is an early variety with a short season and will be sized well for Stemilt’s kid-size pear program, Lil Snappers®.
Northwest pear volume will hit good stride in late August.
“It’s been an ideal growing season for pears, with a long spring and great summer weather for growing sizeable pears,” states Shales. “Stemilt has been a leader in the pear category for years, and looks forward to another season of top quality, flavorful pears.”
“Jet cooling is essential to the quality of pears harvested in August, and our cooling process is designed to back the high flavor, ready-to-eat pear process,” says Shales. “Our teams use a Stemilt-specific sequence that is designed for the best airflow and cooling patterns, giving our pears the exact things they need to ensure a ready-to-eat experience right out of the box.”
Stemilt has also built two Thermal Tech Tarpless® ripening rooms in the Fresh Cube to ripen Anjou and Red d’Anjou pears.
“Trust goes a long way in the pear category,” states Shales. “We have seen a decrease in the pear category over the last decade and Stemilt is working hard to reverse that trend through programs like Operation Flavor and our Rushing Rivers® pear brand.”
Stemilt partners with Peshastin Hi-Up Growers to produce Rushing Rivers® pears, which grow in the two best pear locales in the world – the Wenatchee River Valley and the Entiat River Valley – by multi-generational pear farmers who come with a world of knowledge and expertise. These growing districts are located right next to packing, ripening and shipping facilities, which supports Stemilt’s mission of flavor-first focus.
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About Stemilt
Stemilt Growers is a leading tree fruit growing, packing and shipping company based in Wenatchee, WA. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt is the leading shipper of sweet cherries and one of the nation’s largest suppliers of organic tree fruits.
California avocados are dropping from the trees because of triple digit temperatures that have been common since early July….Meanwhile, imported Chilean mandarin volume has have increased nearly five-fold during the past six years.
Some temperatures have hit 115 degrees F. For example, Del Rey Avocado Co. Inc. of Fallbrook, CA reports avocado groves in San Diego County’s Pauma Valley and Temecula have suffered from the heat. As a result, fruit drop resulting from the heat is expected to cut avocado shipments and possibly increase the price of California avocados in late summer marketed in August, particularly after Labor Day.
The 2019 avocado season could also suffer from this year’s weather, particularly with potential tree damage.
In the southern growing regions of San Diego and Riverside counties, the harvest was about 85 percent finished when the early July heat hit groves. To date, California growers have harvested about 300 million pounds of fruit. Most of the remaining crop is in cooler areas, north and toward the coast.
California’s avocado shipments this season was originally estimated to be 350 million pounds, but some observers have lowered their estimate to 320 million or less.
Shipments of about 13 million pounds per week in early July faded to 10 million pounds by mid-July. California avocado shipments are now dropping sharply.
Imports of Peruvian avocados began arriving in peak volumes in early August and supplies from Mexico are also available.
Chilean Mandarins
The first shipments of Chilean mandarins arrived by boat at U.S. ports in late July with 64 tons on the East Coast and 21 tons for Canada.
Although this season got off to a slower start than last year, Chile expects to ship a record 101,000 tons of mandarins to North America this year, a 32 percent over last year. In 2012 Chile exported 22,000 tons of mandarins. Today, the Chilean mandarin industry has become the main supplier of easy peelers to North America.
California and Texas orange shipping estimates have been lowered by the USDA….Meanwhile California garlic loadings are off to a good start.
The California shipments are pegged at 44 million boxes, down 1 percent from the USDA’s June projection. Texas orange shipments of 1.88 million boxes, are down 11 percent from June.
The California valencias shipping forecast has been lowered 5 percent to 9 million boxes, on par with last season.
The forecast for California navel shipments remain steady at 35 million boxes, which is down 11 percent from the 2016-17 season.
While USDA lowered its estimate for Texas orange shipments, 1.88 million boxes still represents a 37 percent gain from last season.
The Florida orange shipping forecast of 44.95 million boxes was unchanged from the previous month, as June was the final update of the year.
In September, Hurricane Irma devastated citrus groves throughout the state. In the 2016-17 season, Florida shipped 68.85 million boxes of oranges.
The estimate for early, midseason and navel varieties was 18.95 million boxes, down 43 percent from the 2016-17 season.
The Florida valencia shipping forecast was 26 million boxes, down 27 percent from 2016-17.
Grapefruit
USDA estimates 2017-18 grapefruit shipments at 12.86 million boxes, down 7 percent from last month and down 26 percent from 2016-17.
Texas shipments are projected at 4.8 million boxes, 16 percent lower than the June estimate, but on par with last season.
Estimates for Florida and California were 3.88 million boxes and 4 million boxes, respectively. The projections have not changed since June, but the numbers represent a 9 percent drop from 2016-17 for California and a 50 percent drop for Florida.
Other Citrus
California is expected to ship 20 million boxes of mandarins and tangerines, down 5 percent from the June estimate and down 16 percent from the 2016-17 season.
The volume forecast for Florida is unchanged from last month — at 750,000 boxes — but down 54 percent from last year.
USDA estimates total lemon shipments at 21.8 million boxes, the same as June but down 2 percent from 2017-18.
Garlic Shipments
The domestic garlic crop has gotten off to a good start, and expectations are high for the 2018 season. Christopher Rancy of Gilroy, CA expects to ship over 100 million pounds of garlic this season. I it the largest crop the shipper has had in decades.
Historically, the produce industry gives truck transportation and trucking rates little thought, unless they are having a problem getting their product loaded, or rates are on the rise. Well, both are happening.
For example, several Northwest potato shippers have recently expressed concerns over what it cost to ship their potatoes. They say the situation has become enough of a concern in various parts of the country that more regional potato crops are being plants. Being closer to major markets means less transportation costs.
Valley Pride Sales LLC of Burlington, WA recently complained about short truck supplies and is concerned the situation will not be improving anytime soon. They also hear about a shortage of drivers. The company has seen freight rates to East Coast for russet potatoes costing $9 per 50-pound carton. This is seen as given potato shippers on the East Coast an advantage in the marketplace since they pay less for trucks.
New York Trucking Concerns
As with most companies in the produce industry, New York produce operations have seen escalating truck rates since 2017. However, shippers there are complaining less than shippers elsewhere. This is due to their location of being much closer to major Eastern metropolitan regions than Western and Midwest produce shipper.
For example, Torrey Farms Inc., of Elba, N.Y. observes the proximity to Eastern markets places their operation with many within five to six hours drive time. The company believes transportation will be a battle all summer long N.Y. While Torrey Farms typically has adequate trucks during June and July, by the start of July truck supplies already were tight this year.
New regulations that implemented electronic logging device mandates has made it harder for truckers reports Paul Marshall Produce Inc. of Batavia, N.Y. The trucking company notes two years ago the trucking lane from Elba to Chicago was pretty steady at $1,000 per load. In the summer of 2017, those rates escalated to $1,600.
At Turek Farms of King Ferry, N.Y., truck rates during the July Fourth holiday period were up 20 to 25 percent compared with a year ago. The company notes the new electronic logging device mandate rules mean adding another day to any trucking route more than 500 or 600 miles.
Significant increases in clementines from Chile are being reported….Meanwhile, tamarind imports also are on the rise.
Through the middle of July Chile had exported nearly 50,000 metric tons of clementines to the U.S., representing a 42.9 percent increase over the previous year. Of that volume, 57 percent was shipped to the East Coast.
During the same period, South Africa loaded 6,000 metric tons of easy peelers, all sent to the East Coast. By comparison, Peru has exported over 16,000 metric tons of soft citrus to the East Coast, marking a 48 pecent increase over the previous season.
Peru has also exported nearly 2,000 metric tons of easy peelers to the West Coast – a 17 percent rise.
Heavy Chilean clementine arrivals on the East Coast in late June and early July complemented 2,000 metric tons of fruit from South African and 2,600 metric tons from Peru.
Tamarind (in photo)
Tamarin is popular in Latin and Asian cooking, the ingredient has drawn broader interest lately. Tart tamarind also is an everyday item in Hispanic market areas.
Both ‘agua fresca’ and ‘tamarind’ have been trending up steadily in Google trends, especially during the summer months. This is in line with what is being seen with consumer trends on Indian flavors and fruit-infused or flavored water.
Frieda’s markets the fruit in a clamshell that informs consumers how to use it. The fruit has been included in sauces, glazes and cocktails.
Latin American candies, popsicles and the beverage agua de tamarindo also is used with the fruit. Retailers sometimes merchandise tamarind with items like ginger and turmeric or with tropical fruit.
Very light loadings of Oregon potato shipments have started….Meanwhile, New Jersey tomato shipments are in peak volume.
The early season potato harvest in Oregon is underway pretty much on schedule from normal past years.
Harvest of Oregon potatoes will continue until November. Plantings in the Klamath region was completed in early June, and that those potatoes are in their early stages.
About 13 percent of Oregon potato shipments are with table stock (fresh market), which is mostly russets with some reds and yellows, 7 percent chip potatoes, and the rest being processed russets or other varieties of the russet type.
Government figures show that in the region which includes Oregon, Washington and Idaho, about 65 percent of potatoes grown in those three states are exported internationally, and should once again include South Korea.
New Jersey Tomatoes
In 2017 New Jersey tomatoes were the third ranking crop in the Garden State, coming off of 4,000 acres, with shipments totaling 112 million pounds. New Jersey annually ranks in the top 10 in the U.S. in shipments of tomatoes.
Tomato loadings are at a peak now and that peak will continue for another week or so. However, the season will continue through October.
Growtopia of Swedesboro, NJ, was formerly known as Sorbello Farms. It is a third-generation family-owned farm that has 900 acres, with nearly 200 acres of Jersey Fresh vegetables and features its own packing facility. Growtopia/Sorbello Farms also grows asparagus, zucchini squash, cucumbers and Bell peppers throughout the year. The company ships Jersey Fresh vegetables across the United States and Canada.
Growtopia Farms is located off exit #10 on route 295 or exit #2 on the NJ Turnpike.
In 2018 the company was first farm in New Jersey to implement precision spraying through unmanned drones rather than a traditional ground sprayer. This produces a much smaller carbon footprint, a 75 percent reduction in pesticides, and thermal imaging to aid in its scouting program.
New York vegetable shipments were hindered by too much rain a year ago, but in 2018 farmers were wishing they had more rainfall. Still, crops seem to be in pretty good shape and normal shipments are taking place.
For example William Farms LLC of Marion, NY is reporting loadings occurring on a normal schedule thus far this season. In similar fashion, Turek Farms of King Ferry is reporting vegetables maturing on time, but could use some moisture.
Onion shipments for Raymond Myruski LLC of Goshen, NY should get underway the first half of August.
A look at USDA shipment figures for New York fruit and vegetable shipments showed mixed trends.
- Apple shipments, the top volume commodity in New York, were down 11 percent from 2016.
- Onions, the second-ranked fresh commodity by volume, saw shipments increase 18 percent in 2017 compared with the previous season.
- Sweet corn, ranked third in volume during 2017, recorded fresh shipments in 2017 that were up 30 percent from 2016.
- Cucumber shipments in 2017 were up 5 percent from the previous year, and fresh bean shipments were up 1 percent, according to the USDA.
- Cabbage shipments were off 3 pecent, and potato shipments were nearly unchanged from a year ago.
Green bean loadings started in early July for Torrey Farms Inc. of Elba, N.Y., while cabbage and squash have just started. Supply should be steady, and quality looks good.
At Eden Valley Growers of Eden, NY vegetable crops are coming on at about the same time as in 2017. The company started shipping lettuces, broccoli and cucumbers abut a month ago, which were followed by bell peppers and hot specialty pepper. Sweet corn loadings got underway the third week of July.
The company also ships squash and cucumbers. Eden Valley plans to ship through October, with hard squashes and pumpkins coming on in the fall. A majority of the New York vegetable shipments to markets in the Northeast which has 50 million consumers, but some product is destined to markets up and down the East Coast.
Fresh potato shipments got underway from Washington’s Columbia Basin and Oregon’s Umatilla Basin in late July with yellow and red potatoes, then with russet norkotahs.
Washington state potato acreage has been stable in recent years at about 170,000 acres, and it is expected to remain similar this year.
About 90 percent of Washington potato volume goes to processors for frozen potatoes. Much of this processing is attributed to access to deepwater ports in Seattle-Tacoma for export to Far East markets.
Strong global demand for frozen potatoes, growing at 6 to 8 percent a year could lead to an even higher percentage of spuds going to the processors in the future.
Only about 2 percent of Washington production is with organic potatoes, which is split evenly between fresh and processing uses.
Washington fresh potato shipments in 2017 totaled 22.9 million 50-pound cartons, up from 20.1 million cartons in 2016, according to the USDA.
Oregon Potato Shipments
Over the past three season Oregon potato shipments came off of 38,900 acres, where fresh volume accounts for about 12 percent of the production.
Limited water supplies could result in a decline in the Klamath Falls growing region in 2018. However, acreage could increase in the Blue Mountain-Hermiston area on the Washington border.
Oregon shipped 5.3 million 50-pound cartons in 2017, up from 5.1 million cartons in 2016. In comparison, the Idaho’s fresh shipments in 2017 were 73.9 million 50-pound cartons, up from 70.4 million cartons in 2016.
Idaho growers harvested 309,000 fall potato acres in 2017, off from 324,000 acres in 2016.
Truck Rates
The Washington/Oregon potato industry at times has expressed concerns over rising truck rates for potatoes pointing out the cost of freight has been equaling the cost of the product being hauled. For example, a common truck rate has been $9 per 50-pound carton, which is the average price of a box of russets. This is believed to be possibly opening the door for more regional potato production so receivers can save on freight rates.
By Pacific Organic Produce
San Francisco, CA — Summer has arrived and with it, the start to the Imported Peruvian citrus season! Pacific Organic Produce now offers organic Peruvian citrus. Our 2nd generation grower operates his family owned and operated farm in the Huaura river valley in Peru, known for its fertile soils. The farm began its transition to organic in 2004 and was certified organic in 2010.
The farm focuses on using natural predators to maintain fruit quality and keeps a keen eye on balancing sugar and acid for optimum flavor. Food safety is of utmost importance to the family and the farm is Global GAP certified. They are the first certified organic citrus shipper to export to the US and we’re proud to offer the fruit for now the 7th season – time to get excited for the only “off season”, certified organic, specialty citrus available in the US – Satsuma, Minneola & Murcotts.
A steady supply of 9kg Satsumas will be available July and August, followed by a steady supply of 15kg Minneola and 9kg Murcott in August and September. A poly film 12×2# bag is also available for consumer convenience. Summer is looking even better!
About Pacific Organic Produce
Pacific Organic Produce represents organic growers from the United States and Latin America, providing the finest quality in organic fresh fruit and vegetables to retailers, wholesalers and processors across North America, featuring the Purity Organic brand.
Their growers are third-party certified organic, using the most up-to-date organic and sustainable farming methods. By partnering with these growers over the past 18 years, Pacific Organic has managed to bring year-round supplies of organically raised fruits and vegetables to marketplaces across the country.