Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
Idaho and East Oregon onion acreage will continue its upward trend in 2025.
Growers in the Snake River Valley, which runs through southwest Idaho and Malheur County in Oregon, planted 23,592 acres of onions in 2025, up from 22,583 acres in 2024, according to the National Onion Association. Annual production averages about 20 million 50-pound units.
Eagle Eye Produce of Iona, ID began its onion harvest the week of Aug. 4 in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, which was a little earlier than usual. Harvest should continue into early October.
The company, which has a year-round onion program, will have a complete line of red, yellow and white onions as well as sweet yellow onions this season. Acreage at Eagle Eye Produce is up slightly this year due to the acquisition of the Baker and Murakami warehouse in Ontario, OR.
Snake River Produce of Nyssa, OR, sees a very nice crop this year that is on schedule with similar acreage to last year.
The company ships mainly yellow Spanish sweet onions and also has some red and white varieties.
The season started after mid-August, and the company will ship storage onions into mid-April.
Owyhee Produce of Parma, ID, which grows, packs and processes potatoes, started harvesting onions July 1 and expects to have onions coming from Idaho year-round. Volume should be up a little from a year ago.
Owyhee Produce offers red, yellow and white potatoes and has a sweet red variety.
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The Illinois Farm Bureau Associate reports despite adverse weather, this year’s production increased over 30 million pounds, and pumpkins are ready for shipping.
Previous seasons ranged from 652 million pounds in 2021 to 690 million pounds in 2023, an increase of approximately 15,000 acres. Total loadings this season are expected to be average to a bit above average.
Despite positive projections, weather conditions varied across Illinois this year, leading to disparities in pumpkin size and yield. Scavuzzo says some growers faced delayed planting due to wet conditions, while others contended with drought.
Illinois leads US pumpkin production, particularly for processing. Between 70 and 80 percent of the state’s pumpkin acreage is dedicated to canning and food ingredient uses, with most crops grown under contract with processors.
Canned pumpkin or pumpkin pie mix from processed pumpkins accounts for 85 percent of the volume. This is led by pumpkin puree, which serves as the base for products ranging from pie filling to baked goods and beverages.
However, ornamental pumpkins used for seasonal retail displays also make up a significant share of Illinois’ production. Growers continue to see increasing demand for specialty varieties such as White and Bumpy gourds.
The state is also home to high-profile producers such as Sarah Frey, known for pioneering large-scale pumpkin supply to major retailers and for her role in promoting Illinois as a national pumpkin leader.
While processing contracts bring a level of stability to growers, the ornamental market remains highly sensitive to consumer trends and weather conditions. There are six to eight weeks to sell pumpkins.
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A four percent increase is predicted for Peruvian table grape exports for the 2025-26 season. The forecast reveals 86,123,321 8.2-kilo boxes (39,872 containers), compared to the 82,890,138 boxes (38,375 containers) shipped in the previous season (2024-25). This is according to Agraria, the Association of Table Grape Producers and Exporters of Peru (Provid).
This is the association’s first estimate, and it will be progressively updated as the 2025-26 season progresses.
Peru’s table grape campaign can be divided into four stages: August-October (week 34 to week 42), where 5 percent of the projected volume is expected to be shipped; October-December (week 43 to week 51), where 57 percent would be shipped; December-February (week 52 to week 8), where 34 percent would be exported; and February-March (week 9 to week 17), where the remaining 5 percent would be allocated.
The total projected volume for the 2025-26 campaign, the northern region (Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Áncash) would ship 39.6 million boxes, which would represent an increase of 1.5 percent compared to the 39.0 million boxes shipped in the previous campaign. The north would account for 46 percent of the total.
Meanwhile, shipments from the south (Lima, Ica, Arequipa, and Moquegua) would total 46.6 million boxes, representing a 6.4 percent increase compared to the 43.8 million boxes exported in the 2024-25 campaign. This region would account for 54 percent of the total.
In the northern campaign, the largest volumes to be shipped would be reported in the second period. From August to October (week 34 to week 42), 10 percent would be shipped; from October to December (week 43 to week 51), 83 percent would be shipped; from December to February (week 52 to week 8), 7 percent would be exported; and from February to March (week 9 to week 17), only 0.01 percent of the total would be shipped.
In the southern campaign, being later than the northern one, the peak would be recorded in the third period. From August to October (week 34 to week 42), 1 percent would be shipped; from October to December (week 43 to week 51), 34 percent would be shipped; from December to February (week 52 to week 8), 57 percent would be exported; and from February to March (week 9 to week 17), the remaining 8 percent would be shipped.
Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA released this strawberry market report September 22, 2025:
Rain is forecast for the Santa Maria and Oxnard, California regions on Tuesday, September 23. Growers will pack ahead of the rain to ensure better quality. Expect tight stocks and strong markets through next week.
Santa Maria/Oxnard
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- Quality concerns include decay, pin-rot, and water damage
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Size is small-medium (18 to 24 per one-pound clamshell)
- Elevated markets are forecast for the next 7-10 days
Salinas/Watsonville
- MFC Strawberries are available; quality and color are good
- Size is currently 16 to 25 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
- Some bruising, white shoulders, and light mildew are being reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Elevated markets are forecast for the next 7-10 days
Mexico/South Texas
- New crop harvesting is expected to start in mid-November
- Product will cross into South Texas
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After two straight years of above-average production, apple growers expect another high-performing year, according to a new report released by the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) BB #:145473 at the organization’s 130th annual Outlook Conference in Chicago.
Authored by USApple Vice President of Insights and Analytics, Chris Gerlach, Industry Outlook 2025* provides the most up-to-date data and analysis on U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade.
*The Outlook Report features the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates. Following the presentation of these figures, USApple members met in person to discuss current growing conditions and develop a more up-to-date production forecast — the numbers below reflect that adjustment.
U.S. Production
According to USApple’s analysis, total U.S. apple production for the 2025/26 crop year (CY) is forecast at:
• 11.7 billion pounds / 278.5 million bushels
• Up 1.3% from last year
• 3.6% above the five-year production average
These figures are more comprehensive than the USDA data, which only reflect the top seven apple-producing states. USApple analyzes production from states outside of the top seven and adds that into USDA’s figure. It also incorporates feedback from growers based on what they’re seeing in the field every day.
“The U.S. grows the best apples in the world, and this year we will certainly have plenty for domestic and global consumption,” said Gerlach. “That said, growers carefully select what comes off the tree to ensure only the highest quality fruit makes it to the store. And with skyrocketing labor costs, growers are having to be even more disciplined in their harvest decisions.”
Varietal Mix
At the varietal level, Gala is expected to retain the top spot with nearly 47 million bushels, accounting for 16% of the market.
The top five:
• Gala – 47 million bushels (16% of U.S. production)
• Red Delicious – 39 million bushels (13%)
• Honeycrisp – 34 million bushels (12%)
• Granny Smith – 32 million bushels (11%)
• Fuji – 25 million bushels (9%)
Varieties on the rise include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp® and Pink Lady/Cripps Pink. Gala, Fuji and Rome are trending down.
Trade
While fresh apple exports declined 5% year over year, the U.S. maintained a strong trade balance in 2024/25 (July–June):
• Exports: 44M bushels
• Imports: <5M bushels
• Net exports: ~40M bushels valued at $900 million
“With another large crop on the way, maintaining and expanding exports is essential,” said Gerlach. “We’re exploring all avenues to strengthen our presence in established markets like Taiwan, Thailand, and India, while pushing to open new high-value markets such as South Korea and Japan.”
State Production
At the state level:
• Washington remains the nation’s top producer with a forecasted record crop of more than 180 million bushels valued at nearly $2.3 billion, up 1% from 2024/25.
• New York holds the No. 2 spot at 30.5 million bushels, a 0.7% decrease from last season.
• Michigan up 10% to about 30 million bushels.
• Pennsylvania up 2% at 10.5 million bushels.
• Virginia down 50% to 2.75 million bushels.
• Oregon up 40% to 3.9 million bushels.
Global Context
According to United Nations (UN) data, worldwide apple production is more than 5 billion bushels. In 2023 (latest data point), China alone was responsible for producing 51% of the world’s total supply, with the U.S. producing the second-largest share of the global crop.
• China – 2.6 billion bushels (51% of global supply)
• United States – 5.3% of global supply
• Turkey – 4.7%
• Poland – 4%
• India – 3%
“With China down 100 million bushels and Turkey’s crop off by 40%, the U.S. has a real opportunity,” said Gerlach. “Given Turkey’s role as a major supplier to India, this could open the door for us to regain market share there.”
US APPLE
USApple is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations, representing 26,000 apple growers throughout the country and more than 3,700 apple-related companies. Our members collectively grow more than 10 billion pounds of apples a year on average, supporting about 150,000 jobs and generating more than $8 billion in total wages and almost $23 billion in economic activity.
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As the second half of summer unfolds, Creekside Organics of Bakersfield, CA is delivering a fresh, flavorful lineup of organic fruit designed to bring energy and momentum to produce departments nationwide.
With organic grapes and melons now shipping in peak volumes, Creekside is meeting the moment with consistent availability, strong varietal diversity, and packs that align with retail execution strategies.
Fruit World, a part of the Creekside Organics family of brands, is currently shipping its seasonal grape program through late September. This year’s standout offerings include organic Thomcord and conventional Kyoho varieties.
The company’s signature Thomcord grapes—a cross between Concord and Thompson Seedless—are beloved for their nostalgic, intensely “grapey” flavor and wide consumer appeal. These are available in one-pound clamshells and two-pound paper totes to meet a variety of merchandising needs.
Creekside Organics is also in the heart of its organic melon season, with cantaloupes, honeydews, Hami, and mini seedless watermelons now shipping in promotable volumes through the end of October.
About Creekside Organics, Inc.
Creekside Organics, Inc. is a leading, certified organic grower-shipper in California, sourcing from organic farms across California and Mexico. Creekside entered into a 50/50 merger with Fruit World in 2025; a move that amplified its commitment to sustaining a prosperous future for family farms. Offering year-round organic fruit and vegetable programs, Creekside remains committed to expanding market reach for its growers, preserving family farms, and upholding the highest standards of environmental sustainability. For more information visit creeksideorganics.com.
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Supplies of Colombian avocados in the U.S. will be up significantly this year compared to 2024, according to the Colombia Avocado Board.
Approximately 82 million pounds of Colombian avocados were shipped to the U.S., through June 2025, representing a 115% increase over the 38 million pounds shipped over the same period in 2024.
Exports to the U.S. in 2025 are currently projected to reach 165 million pounds, up from 80 million pounds last year.
The growth is attributed to maturing groves, higher yields, an increase in certified acreage and packing facilities authorized to export to the U.S. market.
In addition, a larger share of Colombia’s hass avocado exports is now directed to the U.S. market — about 40% of total exports this year compared to 22% in 2024.
Columbia has two growing seasons, resulting in shipments of avocados to the U.S. market the year-round. The main season runs from approximately September to March, and the traviesa season spans March to August/September, he says.
Volume is expected to decrease in September and October as the traviesa season ends, but supplies will build during the main season with peak volume expected in January and February.
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Variability in crop timing and quality across growing regions is making it difficult to determine final volume and how much product will be shipped for the 2025 California almond harvest, which is now underway.
The Almond Board of California (ABC) reports it is difficult to tell what size and quality are going to be at this point in the season. The three main growing regions harvest at slightly different times, while some varieties are weeks behind others. There should be a better idea when the harvest is finished.
Despite the current uncertainty, the USDA’s California Almond Forecast released in May projected total production to reach 2.45 billion pounds, a 21 percent uptick year-on-year. The forecast is based on 1.38 million bearing acres, with a projected yield of 1,770 pounds per acre (see haulproduce.com August 27, 2025).
ABC reports growing concerns about roof rat infestations in California almond orchards.
CAPCA is currently awaiting guidance from the California Department of Food and Agriculture on recommended next steps.
California grows approximately 80 percent of the world’s almonds, making fluctuations in volume, quality, and international trade crucial.
East Coast apple shipments are underway on the East Coast, with varieties such as ginger gold and paula reds that started in mid-August in the Hudson Valley of New York, followed soon after by orchards in central and western upstate New York and then the northeast.
Observers see a strong season for Eastern apples.
Crunch Time Apple Growers of lockport, NY noted the season began with a cool and wet spring, which is good for apple trees because there was a long time to set fruit, and there weren’t any major temperature swings pushing blossoms ahead of schedule.
Rice Fruit Co. in Gardners, PA reports the harvest of early gala and Honeycrisp began in early August and the crop looks good.
Gala and Honeycrisp have great size, strong internal pressures, and beauty. The warm temperatures and ample rainfall this summer is good for sugar development and sizing, making for an excellent start.
Among U.S. potato-growing states, Wisconsin ranks third, and produced 26 million cwt of potatoes in 2024, according to the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association of Antigo, WI.
That was off from 28 million cwt in 2023, a year that saw above-average yields.
The state has about 100 potato growers who produce about 63,000 acres of russet, red, white and yellow potatoes each year along with specialty varieties like blue/purple, fingerlings and little potatoes.
Most growers expect 2025 yields to be similar to last year.
Bushmans’ Inc. of Rosholt, WI started its russet harvest the first week of August, which is normal. Red and yellow harvests were already underway.
The company ships potatoes year-round, starting with shipments from the field then transitioning to storage sales. Harvesting usually wraps up around October 10. Growing conditions have been very good.
Average size and good quality were expected this year, barring unforeseen glitches prior to harvest.
Alsum Farms & Produce of Friesland, WI., sees a promising season with russet, red, yellow and specialty creamer potato varieties.
Harvest of red and yellow potatoes got underway in early August with russet potatoes kicking off the third week of August. Alsum Farms grows 2,700 acres of Wisconsin potatoes.
The operation has a year-round supply of Wisconsin russets while yellows and reds finish up by January. In the specialty category, the company offers 3-pound and 5-pound specialty creamer red and yellow potato blends.
While Schroeder Bros. Farms Inc. of Antigo, WI focuses on seed potatoes, the company also offers some red and russet potatoes for fresh market sales.
Digging started the first week of September this year as usual, and will continue until about the third week of October.
The company, which dates back to 1879, strives to complete shipping table stock by January, then transitions to seed potatoes.
The company sells mostly to brokers who, in turn, ship to retail customers.
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