Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
Total Florida orange production for 2022-2023 on Nov. 9 was forecast to be 28.0 million boxes. According to USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Board, this estimate is down 32 percent from last season’s final production.
The total includes 11.0 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, midseason, and Navel varieties) and 17.0 million boxes of Valencia oranges.
The Navel orange forecast, at 300,000 boxes, accounts for 3% of the non-Valencia total.
The estimated number of bearing trees for all oranges is 44.0 million.
The forecast for all Florida grapefruit production is carried forward from October at 2.00 million boxes, 40% less than last season’s utilization of 3.33 million boxes. The total is comprised of 1.80 million boxes of red grapefruit and 200,000 boxes of white grapefruit.
The forecast for tangerine and tangelos is carried forward at 700,000 boxes, 7 percent less than last season’s utilization of 750,000 boxes. This forecast number includes all certified tangerine and tangelo varieties.
The USDA report notes that, on Sept. 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made its first U.S. landfall along the southwestern coast of Florida as a Category 4 storm. The storm traveled directly over four of the five largest citrus producing counties (Desoto, Highlands, Hardee, and Polk), at hurricane strength. The entire citrus area was inundated with heavy winds and excessive rainfall as it made its northeastward movement over the state. Normal grove operations were temporarily halted in all areas.
The crop season began with harvesting of Navel and Hamlin oranges, red grapefruit, and Fallglo and Early Pride tangerines, primarily for the fresh market.
While the amount of California grapes in storage on the West Coast was significnantly higher than the precious two seasons, the figure has now come down and is much closer to last year.
As of Oct. 31 there were 11.3 million boxes of inventories according to the USDA’s Grape Cold Storage Summary. This is up 8% from the 10.5 million boxes recorded at the same time last year.
The figure is also down 17% from the 13.7 million boxes registered at the end of October in 2020.
By contrast, at the end of September there were there were 10.9 million boxes in storage, which was up 18% over the figure recorded at the same point in the 2021 and 2020 seasons.
Dutch company Rabobak reports U.S. 2022 cherry imports are set to reach the highest volume in more than a decade. With some of November and December still ahead, and expected increasing volumes from Chile, imports are likely to rise in the fourth quarter.
U.S. imports of fresh cherries increased 50% through August. On that note, imports from Chile “showed an uptick of 131% year-on-year, with record volumes in January and February 2022,” the report said.
On the other hand, cherry shipments from Canada increased by 8%, marking its highest volume since 2015.
The availability of fresh cherries in the U.S. has increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 3% over the past half decade to roughly 1.3 pounds per person per year (589 grams), as per USDA calculations.
According to USDA figures, about 36% of U.S. households have purchased cherries within the past twelve months. The likelihood of purchase increases as the primary household buyer is older and as a household’s annual income is higher.
For example, the estimated likelihood of purchase is 29% for households with an annual income between USD 25,000 and USD 50,000, while it is 43% for households with an annual income over USD 100,000.
In terms of ethnicity, the report stated that the likelihood of purchase is higher for Asian and Hispanic households, at 45% and 41%, respectively. The same source also reports that the probability of purchase tends to be higher in the western and northeastern U.S.
Lower U.S. production
Regarding domestic production, the report states that shipments of U.S. fresh cherries to the domestic market in 2022 were down 36% year-on-year. The primary reason for the decline in production was cold spring weather in the Pacific Northwest, according to the release.
This impacted pollination and the early stages of fruit development. As a result, the season started later than usual, which created a significant gap in U.S. grown cherries, particularly during weeks 22-26 of 2022.
In May, during the California season, exports were within the range of recent years, the report said. June and July, however, saw considerable declines. Thus, through August 2022, U.S. exports were down 45% year-on-year, with significant declines in all major destination markets.
Sweet Valley Citrus Region – A heavy crop of Satsuma mandarins from the Sweet Valley Citrus Region are maturing and will begin shipping about two weeks ahead of the 2021 season. “The 2022 crop looks great,” exclaimed Kim Jones, current president of Cold Hardy Citrus Association. “Color break has been early, brix is already testing as high as 11 which indicates exceptionally sweet, flavorful fruit, and we predict the volume to be higher than anticipated.”
Satsumas are an easy-to-peel, medium to large size mandarin variety, and are seedless. While not always uniform in shape and color (some green tinge is normal), the fruit is always exceptionally fresh, sweet and flavorful.
The Sweet Valley Citrus region covers a tri-state zone throughout North Florida, South Alabama and South Georgia. These growing areas share unique soil and weather that make Sweet Valley Citrus so exceptional. The Sweet Valley Citrus Region represents a resurgence of Southern citrus groves and is a great success story for American agriculture. This area was not effected by recent storms, including hurricane Ian, which had more of an impact on groves in Southwestern Florida.
All Sweet Valley Citrus is grown on local family farms, tree-ripened, and shipped daily from farmer-owned packing facilities. Satsuma labels grown in the area include grower brands such as Southern Sassies, Southern Juicys and Cherokee Jewel. Non-branded packaged and bulk fruit is also available.
“Satsumas are an early winter delight and consumer favorite for the holiday season,” said Mark Clikas Vice-President of the Cold Hardy Citrus Association. “We started shipping in early November, with full production available through December and possibly into January.”
The special growing conditions in the Sweet Valley region are perfect for other varieties of citrus too, and Sweet Valley Cara Cara oranges, along with Tango, Kishu and Shiranui mandarins, will be shipping November to mid-January as well.
About Sweet Valley Citrus
The Sweet Valley Citrus region spans a tri-state zone throughout the North Florida, South Alabama and South Georgia. These growing areas share unique soil and weather that make Sweet Valley Citrus sweeter and more flavorful. All citrus varieties, including Sweet Valley’s famous Satsumas, are grown on local family farms, tree-ripened, and shipped daily from farmer-owned packing facilities.
The Sweet Valley Citrus brand was created by the Cold Hardy Citrus Association, a 501(c)(5) organization established in 2017 to ensure all producers in the region have a unified voice in an emerging industry, and to provide education on best farming practices. Members include growe
The North American Potato Market News (NAPMN) recently forecasted North Dakota and Washington as the only two states that will have significant increases in potato shipments this fall. The report shows North Dakota’s production to be up 1.8 million hundredweight (cwt.) and Washington’s production to be up about 6 million cwt. Harvested acres are expected to be up significantly in both states.
The national scene is much different however, NAPMN is forecasting U.S. production at 402.1 million cwt. which would be down about 7.7 million cwt. compared to 2021. Idaho is forecast to lead all states with the largest decrease in production; down 11.9 million cwt. compared to last year. Idaho planted 290,000 fewer acres to potatoes this spring.
Wada Farms Marketing Group of Idaho Falls, ID concluded its potato harvest several weeks ago, with quality looking very good for the 2022/23 season.
It has acreage similar to last season, with yields a little higher. Quality is reported very good, although sizing of the crop is a mixed bag depending on what field they came from.
Wada Farms has been a family-run company for over 80 years, and grows more than 30,000 acres, of which about a third of that is in potatoes.
The company started with russets but has added colored potatoes, chippers and other specialty potatoesl as well as organic potatoes.
Wada Farms is monitoring its crop and shipping schedule to have supply until next crop becomes available in August of 2023. With limited supplies, a strong market is seen all season. There will be a lot of outside factors that the potato industry will have to contend with such as fryers and dehydrators and what they may do to upset the market.
November 2022 has been proclaimed as Arizona Leafy Greens month by
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, acknowledging the industry’s abundant production in the state.
November also marks the beginning of the lettuce and leafy greens shipments in the state, which considers itself the winter lettuce capital of the U.S., providing lettuce and leafy greens from November to March, according to a news release.
During the 10 years of the annual observance, Arizona farmers have produced more than 90 billion servings of lettuce, the release said. The state’s farmers grow about 25% of the annual U.S. lettuce supply, according to USDA statistics.
Arizona’s leafy greens farming community creates a $2 billion economic impact annually.
The family-owned grower-shipper Fruit World of Reedley, CA has announced several bright spots in their 2022-23 citrus season in a season that has been difficult for many citrus growers,
Fruit World is expecting a large volume of high-quality organic lemons throughout their year-round program, with volumes peaking from mid-October through February. This year’s crop is even stronger than it was in 2021, which was also above average.
To ensure a steady year-round supply, the company grows in California’s desert region through March before transitioning to the Central Valley. This year’s volumes are also supported by several young blocks that kicked into production this season.
Fruit World’s flagship mandarin program started in late October and will continue into early May with organic mandarins available from mid-November through early May.
Conventional and organic mandarin volumes are both up from the 2021 season but are still down from typical yields. Extreme heat and irregular precipitation are the greatest challenges facing the industry this year, and growers have been pivoting as quickly as possible to adapt. Overall quality is strong, and a sizable portion of Fruit World’s conventional crop will be transitioning to organic in the 2023-2024 season.
Stem and leaf mandarins are seeing increasing shipments each year, and Fruit World has been building their program to meet the rush of popularity particularly during the holiday season.
Plentiful supplies are availble including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Lunar New Year.
The company has also begun shipping the popular organic Rio Red grapefruits, known for their gorgeous interior color, fantastic flavor, and superb quality. Volumes and fruit size are down slightly compared to last season, but supply is still anticipated to be on par with a standard season and able to meet consumer demand into January.
Rounding out the organic specialty citrus program, Fruit World’s Sweet Limes are seeing increased interest.
The classic lime freshness paired with sweetness make this variety perfect for refreshing juices, bright salad dressing, and sweet treats. Good volumes are anticipated through mid-December.
As part of a continued growth strategy for the Fruit World brand, the company has brought several new grower relationships online in the past year, which are expected to make a positive impact on this year’s citrus season.
Navel oranges, which are experiencing 15% to 20% lighter volumes industry-wide will actually end up with an increased supply for Fruit World over last year, thanks to more growers. Likewise, Fruit World welcomed the next generation of growers for Cara Caras from an up-and-coming grower family who are eager to convert the crop to organic.
The brand is also continuing to forge ahead with new product lines—exciting additions like mandarinquats, kumquats, and their newly-planted lemonade lemons.
Idaho-Eastern Oregon onion shippers are comparing this season’s shipments to the short crop of a year ago.
Treasure Valley yields are down due to unfavorable weather conditions during planting as well as continuing heat during the growing season. Still, the trade is report very good quality and sizing with onions now in storage.
Fort Boise Produce in Parma, ID, notes onion sizes have alot of mediums, with fewer jumbos, but the product looks very good. However, yields off by about 20 percent of normal.
Weiser Onion Produce in Weiser, ID, finished putting onions into storage in early October, reporting the short crop affects all varieties.
At Snake River Produce In Nyssa, OR, the company’s growers faced weather challenges of rain, wind, and cool temps from April to June. Then in July Mother Nature hit the area with extreme heat and high winds. Still, the operation maintains growers came through with a manageable crop which has produced great yields and quality.
Eagle Eye of Nyssa, OR reportsadequate supplies of jumbos and mediums. The earlier part of the season was seeing limited volume of colossals and super colossals, but sizing was expected improve as the season continued.
At Owyhee Produce in Nyssa, OR, the operation reports lower yields from a normal year.
During the past 10 years, the U.S. has imported $6.05 billion worth of pineapple with 85% of pineapple exports coming from Costa Rica. Colombia was the eighth-largest supplier for this fruit to the U.S. during the same period, according to ProColumbia data.
With industries in constant development and growth, Costa Rica and Colombia are seeking to consolidate pineapple consumption in the U.S. market. At the same time, they are aiming to grow exports to new destinations, such as Israel.
With more than 98,842 acres concentrated in the south and north, Costa Rica produces pineapples all year round. More than 52% of shipments are destined for the U.S., and led by Del Monte company. According to the National Chamber of Pineapple Producers and Exporters (CANAPEP), exports began in the late 1990s with a high quality fruit.
Per capita consumption in the U.S. currently stands at nearly 6 pounds per year. And 84% of pineapples consumed come from Costa Rica.
Abel Chaves, president of CANAPEP’s Board of Directors, says: “Since we started with exports and the development of MD2 pineapple along with phytosanitary work, we are the number one supplier in the U.S.
“In fact, in supermarket chains, consumers seek Costa Rican pineapple, which has led to an annual average shipment of 170 million boxes of 12 kilos (26.4 pounds), which is why there is such a large consumption in the U.S”. The association seeks to position Costa Rica as the leading pineapple supplier for global markets.
Colombian market
Along the same lines, Colombia has increased its pineapple production. ProColombia data in 2021, reveals national pineapple production closed at 927,050 tons, with a 3% growth over the previous year.
In 1989, the first pineapple exports to the United States began with a value of $122,191, equivalent to 388 tons. Since then, per capita consumption in the country has remained constant, creating annual increases of 9% in imports.
Colombia has the possibility of supplying pineapple all year round, as does Costa Rica. Between January and July this year, Colombia shipped 1.1 million dollars to the US, representing a 27% growth compared to the same period in 2021.
2022 Season
With a season marked by the logistics crisis, the pandemic and the increase in fertilizer prices in both countries, the Costa Rican pineapple industry is conservative when making projections. It predicts an average shipment of 190 million boxes for the entire industry, a figure that remains the same compared to 2021.
Of that percentage, 50% of the national industry is destined to the U.S. While between 40 to 43% is sent to Europe, with the rest of the exports destined to Chile and Asia.
According to figures from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) and analysis by ProColombia, Colombia exported more than 3 million net kilos of pineapple between January and July 2022. This represented 1.3% more than in the same period of 2021. In total, last year closed at 6.6 million net kilos.
Shipments similar to a year ago are seen by observers Maine’s 2022-23 potato crop. Good quality also has been seen based on early harvests.
The Maine Farmers Exchange of Presque Isle, ME describes the crop as “beautiful.”
Despite weather delaying spring planting a little, growers to completed harvest by mid-October.
The size of the spud are a little bit smaller than last year, but still described as good-size potato.
Shipments of table stock and seed potatoes are just getting underway and will continue until June.
Maine’s potato growers typically offer russet, white, yellow and red potatoes during the fall/winter season.
USDA reported 53,300 harvested acres of potatoes in Maine last season with total production of about 18.4 million cwt. Harvested acreage for the previous season was 50,800 acres with production of 13.4 million cwt.
Green Thumb Farms Inc., Fryeburg, ME, has been shipping since the third week of August. It reports growers were able to irrigate enough to achieve decent yields, but production of some varieties will be less this season.