News and Stories

Prices for Markon First Crop (MFC) Onions from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington are steady to slightly higher than last week. Due to recent cool and wet weather in both Mexico and Texas, consistent supplies remain delayed in these southern growing regions. While storage stocks are diminishing in some Northwestern regions, they will be sufficient to avoid a supply gap. Expect MFC Onions from California to reach the market next week. Markon will send recommendations regarding whether to purchase in the Northwest or South Texas/California; factors include quality, supply, price levels, and members’ distribution centers’ geographic locations. Currently, Markon recommends loading in Idaho, Oregon, or Washington for best quality and price.

California

• MFC Red and Yellow Onions are expected to be on the market next week    
• The season will begin a week earlier than normal due to ideal, warm growing conditions in the desert growing regions
• Large sizes will dominate the crop, especially jumbo and colossal onions
• Spring onions are milder in flavor and lighter in color than storage stocks from the Northwest

Eastern Oregon/Idaho/Washington

• MFC Red and Yellow Onions will be available through early May
• Internal decay, sprouting, and breakdown are becoming more apparent, therefore supplies are diminishing sooner than anticipated
• Storage stocks that are being shipped continue to maintain solid texture, globe-like shape, dry flaky husks, and zesty, peppery flavor

Mexico and Texas

• MFC Red and Yellow Onions remain inconsistent due to wet and cool weather conditions; yields are lower than normal 
• Approximately 75-80% of the Texas crop has been affected by seeders, a condition that occurs when the bulb of the onion does not receive enough heat, preventing the onion from maturing
• Spring onions are milder in flavor and lighter in color than storage stocks from the Northwest
• With a 70% chance of rain every day this week, onion shipments will remain sporadic
• Rain can also create mold, which increases the chances of internal decay

New Mexico

• MFC Red and Yellow Onions are expected on the market in late May
• Shipments will be comparable to last season’s crop (normal to slightly above average)
• Spring onions are milder in flavor and lighter in color than storage stocks from the Northwest

Utah

• MFC Red and Yellow Onions will continue to be transferred from Washington into Syracuse, Utah through the week of April 20 
• The crop remains dominated by jumbo and medium sizes
• The Utah onion season has ended; Washington onions are being transferred into Utah   

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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