News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) Onions are available in California, New Mexico, and Washington. Demand is moderate, keeping prices steady to slightly lower. MFC Onions will be available in Idaho and Oregon next week; MFC Onions will be shipped from Utah the week of September 7. The season for MFC Onions from California and New Mexico will end the week of August 24. Currently, quality is comparable in all regions, but once the onions are fully cured and pulled from storage in late September, quality will be best in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Northwest onions have a longer shelf-life, firm texture, and dry, golden husks.

Washington

• MFC Red and Yellow Onions are on the market; stocks will increase next week
• Acreage is comparable to last year, but due to an unusually warm summer, yields will be lower
• Heat can stunt onion growth
• The crop will be dominated by medium-size supplies; jumbo and colossal sizes will be tighter
• Onions grown in the Northwest are rounder and have more of a globe-like shape than fresh-run stocks shipped during the spring/summer months  
• The husk or skin is thicker, color is deeper bronze/brown, flavor is stronger, and texture is firmer
• Expect a longer shelf-life

Oregon/Idaho

• MFC Red and Yellow Onions will be available next week
• Onion acreage is comparable to last year; yields are projected to be slightly lower due to warmer-than-usual temperatures during the growing season  
• The crop will generate more jumbo and medium sizes compared to super and colossal sizes

Colorado

• MFC Red and Yellow Onions will be available the week of August 24
• Limited quantities of packer label onions will be shipped next week
• Acreage is comparable to last season
• Growing conditions have been ideal; ample yields are anticipated

Utah

• MFC Red and Yellow Onions will be on the market the week of September 7
• Expect a normal crop this season because the crop benefitted from normal growing conditions
• The crop will be dominated by jumbo-size onions 
• Washington onions can be transferred for loading in Syracuse, Utah
• Sheds will need a three-day lead-time prior to loading
• The fee to transfer Washington onions to Utah remains $1.50 per case/sack (50-pound equivalent) 

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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