 By The Union Pacific
Here we grow again!
Union Pacific Cold Connect will be adding departure days on all eastbound California and Washington trains — effective today, October 31, 2017.
We will begin originating trains Tuesday through Saturday, departing at 9:00 PDT, with 7th and 8th day availability in the Northeast. Priority handling will be reserved for committed customers first.
With additional train starts, we will continue with our current arrival cutoffs as follows:
*All loads must be received into the Cold Connect terminals at Delano, California, and Wallula, Washington, by 10 p.m. PDT the evening prior to train departure. Any loads arriving after 10 p.m. PDTÂ may be rescheduled to the next available train.
- Load tenders must be received 24 hours in advance of pick-up appointment.
- A minimum of 24 hours lead-time is required for all full-truckload orders shipping out of Rotterdam, New York for final delivery. This includes changes to any existing sales order.
- All less-than-truckload orders will require 48 hours notice to ensure truck availability.
Schedules on westbound Cold Connect trains departing Rotterdam, New York, are not impacted by this newly expanded service.
Thank you for shipping with Union Pacific Cold Connect. We appreciate your business and are dedicated to providing you with valuable, competitive transportation services for all of your food and beverage shipments, the news release said.
If you have questions, please contact your Union Pacific Cold Connect representative. Or, for more details, please visit the Union Pacific website at [www.upcoldconnect.com or www.upcoldconnect.com.
The Union Pacific Railroad is a freight hauling railroad that operates 8,500 locomotives over 32,100 route-miles in 23 states west of Chicago and New Orleans. The Union Pacific Railroad system is the largest in the United States and it is one of the world’s largest transportation companies. The Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of the Union Pacific Corporation; both are headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
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California navel orange shipments will be down this season, but just how much is not yet known. Additionally, Pacific Trellis announces plans to import Brazilian grapes.
The first California navels were only shipped within the past week or so, with pretty good volume occurring by early November.
Still, decent shipments are expected with the early forecast of 70 million cartons for the 2017-18 shipping season, of which 68 million will come out of the Central San Joaquin Valley.
The total volume has conventional, organic and specialty navel oranges, including pigmented varieties, such as cara cara and blood oranges.
Among the reason many observers give for fewer navel orange shipments relates to a survey of growers indicating a fruit set per tree of 273, below the five-year average of 348. The average September 1st diameter size was 2.34 inches, above the five-year average of 2.24 inches.
The lighter fruit set also is on fewer acres due to drought and storms last spring.
Acreage is 115,000 this year, down from 120,000 bearing acres a year ago and 135,000 from 2006-09.
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Pacific Trellis to Import Grapes
By Pacific Trellis Fruit
Pacific Trellis Fruit, Los Angeles, CA has announced a partnership with Labrunier, the largest table grape producer in Brazil. With over 900 hectares (2223 acres) in production Labrunier, located in the state of Bahia, has one of the world’s largest areas for growing and testing new table grape varieties selected for flavor, crop yield and adversity to disease. Labrunier’s entire production is internationally certified by Rainforest Alliance.
With the first arrivals of green seedless varieties available at the end of October, these premium quality grapes will be in good supply for the holiday shipping season.
New varieties include Francis, Sweet Mayabelle, Candy Snaps, Timco, Sweet Celebration, Sugar Crisp and Sweet Globe. The program from Brazil provides North American retailers the opportunity to continue the offerings of new variety grapes to consumers as the California crop winds down.
Fazendas Labrunier and Pacific Trellis Fruit have teamed up to provide the premium and new grape varieties with strong early season import volume,” explains Aryan Schut, Commercial Manager.
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Florida citrus losses are reported the worst in 75 years between Hurricane Irma and citrus greening, plus nearly two dozen Florida counties are declared disaster areas.
by Malena Carollo, Tampa Bay Times
After a decade of fighting a losing battle against a tree-killing disease (citrus greening) and declining yields, growers thought this year’s abundant crop promised a turnaround. Then, just weeks before harvest, Hurricane Irma hit.
“This was a real punch in the face,” said Andrew Meadows, spokesperson for citrus trade organization Florida Citrus Mutual.
Overcome by almost $800 million in losses from the hurricane, the state’s citrus industry is suddenly facing its lowest orange yield in 75 years, far worse than forecasts expected just a couple of months ago.
Although damage is still being assessed, the latest numbers released by the state put expected losses at roughly $761 million. Early estimates suggest that this year’s crop will be the single lowest yield since 1942.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Tampa Bay Times
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19 Florida Counties Declared Disaster Areas
A natural disaster declaration for 19 Florida counties issued by the USDA acknowledges widespread damage by Hurricane Irma.
As a result of the declaration farmers and ranchers in those areas are able to seek support, including emergency loans, from the Farm Service Agency, according to a news release.
“I thank U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for taking action to support Florida’s farmers and ranchers still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Irma, Florida agriculture commissioner Adam Putnam said in the release. Our preliminary estimates peg the total damage at more than $2.5 billion, but it’s important to recognize that the damage is still unfolding.
“The disaster declaration provides much needed support, and I will continue working with (Florida Gov. Rick Scott) and our leaders in Washington to get Florida agriculture the relief it needs to rebuild,” Putnam said.
The USDA released its first citrus crop estimate recently, but industry members say the department grossly understated the extent of the damage from Irma.
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In typical fall fashion here are some of the better loading opportunities from four important produce U.S. shipping states.
Washington:
While apple shipments may not set a record this season, plenty will be available for hauling as another big crop is forecast. Last season harvest was so huge, believe it or not, some shippers are still loading “old” apples from last season. That’s okay, if your receiver is aware of it. Just make sure they know what is being loaded. Nearly 1800 truckload equivalents of apples are being loaded weekly primarily from the Yakima and Wenatchee valleys. Around 400 truckload equivalents of Washington pears are being shipped as well, with the best volume yet to come.
Idaho and Oregon
Another big crop of Idaho potatoes will be shipped between now and late next summer. Nearly 1600 truckload equivalents of primarily russet potatoes are being loaded weekly from the four primarily Idaho shipping areas lead by the Idaho Falls area.
Western Idaho and Malhuer County Oregon are shipping over 600 truckloads on storage onions per week. Last winter a number of onion storage sheds and other buildings were heavily damaged in Nyssa and Ontario, Oregon due to two separate winter storms, but adequate facilities appear to be in place for the new shipping season.
South Texas Produce Shipments
Literally dozens of tropical fruits and vegetables are crossing the border from Mexico at Pharr, Texas, but a majority of the are in light volume at this point. Vine ripe tomatoes are perhaps providing the heaviest volume with about 500 truckloads per week. Limes may be among the heavier volume tropical fruits with nearly 350 truckloads weekly.
Many Mexican items are just getting underway and in the coming weeks will provide better hauling opportunities ranging from strawberries to raspberries, honeydew, papayas and pineapples among others.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley grapefruit harvest is barely underway with good volume arriving in November.
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Asparagus imports are rising. Meanwhile, a diet avocado is being introduced.
Imported Peruvian asparagus is now arriving a U.S. ports in normal volume after experiencing tight supplies, at least compared to this time last year. .
Now both Peru and Mexico are hitting stride when it comes to volume. As a rule, Peruvian asparagus imports move into good volume in May, which continues through the middle of January. At this time there will be heavier imports of Mexican asparagus from Caborca and central Mexico in the winter and summer.
This year, imports of Peruvian asparagus have been lower compared with year-ago levels due to adverse weather conditions earlier in the year, which took a toll on yields. Season-to-date volume from Peru is down 800,000 to 1 million boxes compared with a year ago. Through September 30th, the USDA reported total imports of Peruvian asparagus totals 6.01 million 11-pound cartons, off from 7.35 million cartons at the same time a year ago. The U.S. receives about 70 percent of Peru’s fresh asparagus exports.
So far this year, Mexican asparagus shipments to the U.S. were 5.8 million cartons through September 30th, up seven percent from the same time a year ago.
Peruvian Avocado Imports
The United States received a record 145 million pounds of Peruvian avocados this year, helping meet demand in a market short of domestic supplies.
Diet Avocados
A Spanish fruit company has invented a diet avocado with 30 percent less fat.
Eurobanan has introduced a diet avocado under its Isla Bonita brand. It is describe as having a mild flavor and juicier pulp, and also ripening fast yet oxidizing ie, turning so a shade of gray much more slowly. This means it should outlast a full-fat conventional avocado. It is said to be great for the preparation of smoothies, cold soup, gazpachos, cocktails, and many other dishes.
Its official launch is later this month at a trade show in Madrid. However, but unfortunately for Americans, the diet avocado will only be sold in Spain for the time being.
Spanish heart-health advocates tested the fruit’s nutritional claims, and have since affixed seal certifying it does have almost one-third less fat and can be grown almost year around.
Avocados have the type of fat deemed good by doctors because it is monounsaturated, and helps lower bad cholesterol if eaten in moderation.
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Increased shipments from Mexico with ocean carrier World Direct Shipping is coming to Port Manatee in Central Florida with addition of another weekly stop to the port. At the same time, damage estimates to Florida produce are coming from the state.
World Direct Shipping has announced the increase in service to the port by the company, which was first established in 2014. Ships depart from the north-central part of Veracruz, from Port Tuxpan, in a service starting January 12th.
“We couldn’t be happier with how the initial service has thrived, with our 2 ½-day transit time offering the fastest short-sea connection between Mexico and the U.S. Southeast, Northeast and Midwest for refrigerated produce and other cargos,” said Carlos Diaz, director of Palmetto, Fla.-based World Direct Shipping, in a news release.
The new service complements the other World Direct Shipping arrival at the port, starting from Coatzacoalcos, Diaz said. Tuxpan is the closest commercial port to Mexico City, providing for more opportunities for fruit exports.
The weekly schedules call for Friday departures and Monday arrivals for the new service. Currently, ships leave Coatzacoalcos on Saturday and arrive at Port Manatee on Tuesdays.
Florida vs. Hurricane Irma
While Florida isn’t exactly a mecca for produce loads during the fall and winter, there are going to be less opportunities than ever in the coming months as the state works to recover from the damages resulting from Hurricane Irma.
The early assessment of total damages to agricultural production in the state is $2.5 billion.
Over 420,000 acres of citrus production were hit, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Losses were heaviest in Collier and Hendry counties, which estimated losses at $2,500 an acre for about 94,000 acres. Eleven other counties projected losses of $1,750 per acre for about 254,000 acres, and Polk and Martin counties estimated damages at $1,100 per acre for about 72,000 acres.
Many trees were just a few weeks from harvest when the storm hit.
Along with fruit loss and infrastructure damage, growers are worried over trees dying due to flooding, which is not included in this initial estimate.
Florida citrus sales still hover near $1 billion, despite the downturn in the last decade due to citrus greening disease.
Damage to the other fruit and vegetable crops in Florida, were found on over 163,000 acres.
Because the planting season was just beginning for most vegetables, the crop losses will result in shorter seasons, market distortions and lower yields because of the storm diluting the pesticides that had been applied to fields.
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Californa prune shipments are expected soar by nearly 100 percent this season. Meanwhile, a significant expansion involving two produce companies is taking place in North Carolina.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service believes the 2017 California prune harvest will total 105,000 tons, a 99 percent increase over 2016’s 52,851-ton crop.
This year, the industry is returning to a more normal size harvest. Harvest concluded about a month ago. Weather in recent years has created challenges for prune growers, but growers say the trees are rebounding this year. California is the world’s largest producer of prunes, accounting for 40 percent of the world’s supply and nearly of all the supply in the U.S.
LIPMAN EXPANDS FARMING NETWORK
By Lipman
TABOR CITY, N.C. — As a part of its commitment to sustainability and high-quality farming, Lipman Family Farms, North America’s largest field tomato grower, has partnered with North Carolina-based Table Fare Farms. Lipman will be the exclusive marketer for the farm, which currently grows watermelons in Tabor City, N.C., and is owned by Larry and Tammy O’Ferrel.
Currently affiliated with more than 50 local farmers in more than 20 states, Lipman partners with growers around the country through its Lipman Local program in order to bring its customers local, quality produce year-round.
“We are very excited to partner with Larry and Tammy O’Ferrel,” said Scott Rush, director of Lipman Local. “Table Fare Farms will be a great addition to the Lipman family and will allow us to expand our local produce offerings to our customers.”
Lipman plans to expand this partnership to include other commodities in the future.
“Working with Lipman is the ideal next step for us” said Table Fare Farms owner Larry O’Ferrel. “We are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”
About Lipman
Based in Immokalee, FL., Lipman is the largest open-field tomato grower in North America, providing year-round fresh produce through an integrated network of research and development, farming, processing, and repacking. Farms in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, California and Mexico are totaling tens of thousands of acres, allowing Lipman to grow and ship fresh produce 365 days a year. For more information, visit www.LipmanProduce.com.
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While the initial arrival of blueberries from Argentina has arrived by air, regular arrivals by boat at U.S. ports will be more common during the season….Meanwhile a California stone fruit shipper is shipping citrus for the first time.
The initial load of Argentina blueberries, which was over 50 tons, flew out of Tucuman’s renovated airport September 23rd. The Teniente General Benjamín Matienzo International Airport outside of Tucumans was closed over the summer for the runway to be reconstructed and extended from 2,900 meters to 3,500 meters. Member producers of the Argentinean Blueberry Committee, which accounts for 80 percent of the country’s blueberry exports, celebrated the loading of 53 tons of berries on a Boeing 747 bound for Miami, according to a news release.
“We are pleased to be able to carry out the first full-load export of blueberries to the U.S., and we expect to continue in this direction, strengthening the (export) market,” Federico Bayá, the committee’s president, said in the release.
The airport renovations also included infrastructure and equipment improvements making loading commercial shipments smoother and safer. But the big change is the extended runway, which allows for a heavier load than was previously possible.
California Company to Ship Citrus
By Mountain View Fruit Sales
Reedley, CA — Mountain View Fruit Sales, known for shipping tree fruit, has announced they will be shipping California Citrus this season. Partnering with Eastside Packing they will be adding additional commodities to their premium quality and customer service based program.
“We have been working on getting into the citrus deal for many years, but finding the right growers and varieties can’t be rushed, so we are pleased to announce we will be shipping mandarins and lemons for the 2017 season,” said Mike Thurlow owner and CEO of Mountain View Fruit Sales. “It is a natural for us as we are located right in the middle of the prime citrus growing region. We will be utilizing the same aggressive marketing platform we currently use for our premium stone fruit program.”
Kent Huckabay and Joel Gonzalez have joined the Mountain View Sales team, bringing expertise in citrus marketing to the table. “We’ve worked with Mountain View for years on the tree fruit side, and their marketing strategy is well suited to apply to citrus,” said Huckabay. Mountain View Fruit Sales has been a leading marketer of tree fruit in California’s San Joaquin Valley for over 20 years.
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California produce rates have been showing strength with an increased demand for refrigerated trucks in areas ranging from the Salinas and San Joaquin Valleys to Santa Maria and down south in Ventura County. The increases have generally been around one to five percent.
With the official arrival of fall occurring September 22d, which is the arrival of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. It also means the transition of many produce shipping areas, if not from one hemisphere to another, but at least from one country to another, or in some cases, especially in the Western U.S., shifting locations in the same state or a neighboring state.
California certainly is the best example of the changing season.
As Watsonville strawberry shipments decline the red berry’s volume is now increasing to the south in Ventura County. In California’s Central San Joaquin Valley, nearly 900 truck loads of cantaloupe are being shipped weekly from the Westside District, but this will soon be in a seasonal decline. At the same time, very light loadings of melons have started from Central and Western Arizona and are increasing. California honeydew volume already is in a seasonal decline with the new season barely underway in Central Arizona and will start in Western Arizona in the next week or so.
San Joaquin Valley table grapes is probably the state’s single biggest volume item averaging around 1750 truck loads weekly. The combined volume of head lettuce and romaine from the Salinas Valley has recently had similar volume to grapes, but lettuce volume will start sliding soon, to eventually give away to desert shipping areas in California and Arizona. Salinas also is offering around 600 loads of celery per week. To the south in Kern County, carrots are totaling about 750 loads.
Salinas vegetables – grossing about $5100 to Chicago; San Joaquin Valley fruit – grossing about $6200 to Baltimore.
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 By Summer Citrus from South Africa
CITRUSDAL, South Africa — Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) is finishing the season strong with the two final scheduled vessels set to arrive with Navels and Easy Peelers as well as the first shipment of the popular Midknight variety into the United States. The last conventional vessel will arrive to the Port of Philadelphia the week of October 9th.
With sophisticated logistics services and consolidated resources, SCSA has been able to maintain steady movement of fruit throughout the season. SCSA continues to provide the freshest and sweetest citrus varieties with their Midknight crop arriving at its peak of season with the last harvest of Navels and Easy Peelers entering the US with these final two vessels.
“We have established a unique collaboration with incredible logistics partners who are equally committed to meeting USDA requirements. Without dependability and service excellence from Seatrade who provides our dedicated cargo vessels as well as FPT Group who manages our Capetown loading facility, we would not be able to execute such a consistently strong program all season long,” said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa. “In addition, we are fortunate to work closely with the government bodies involved in the pre-clearance process for our fruit, including USDA/APHIS, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as the Perishable Product Export Control Board. All of these groups play a significant role in maintaining a well-managed and successful program year after year.”
“2017 has been another exciting growth year for the summer citrus category and we’ve been pleased that our group has been able to increase our support of US retail partners,” Conradie added. “I’ve enjoyed the 17th season and hope to replicate for years to come!”
About Summer Citrus from South Africa
Summer Citrus from South Africa represents the group of South African citrus growers who consolidate their logistics, marketing and sales efforts to bring the finest citrus fruit to market during the U.S. summer season. Established in 1999 and re-branded for expanded marketing efforts in 2016, the group provides Navels, Midknights, East Peelers, Star Ruby Grapefruit and Cara-Cara oranges across the globe.
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