News and Stories

Bell Peppers

• Green bell markets have eased; supplies are ample
  • Production is underway in Canada and Michigan
  • California harvesting is ramping up
  • Markets are poised to continue easing going into next week
• Red bell markets remain firm; supplies are limited
• California production is transitioning to northern and coastal growing regions
• East Coast and Mexican production is very light; the West Coast is the primary growing region this time of year
• Expect firm prices through mid-August

Brussels Sprouts

• Mexico’s season finished last week, shifting demand to California’s growing regions (Salinas, Santa Maria, and Watsonville)
• California yields are lower than normal due to elevated levels of insect pressure in the Castroville and Salinas growing districts
• Expect limited inventories and higher markets for the next several weeks  

Idaho Potatoes

Storage Crop

• Burbank quality is good; pressure bruising is more prevalent at this point in the season
• Burbank and Norkotah markets will remain active through early September due to both storage and new crop supplies not meeting current demand
• Order lead-time and flexible loading dates will be needed for coverage

New Crop Norkotahs

• New crop Norkotah production has started; most Idaho sheds will fully transition to new crop Norkotahs the week of August 19
• Field-run Markon First Crop Norkotahs will be available August 12
• New crop Burbank production will begin in late September/early October

Melons

• Cantaloupe quality is below normal for this time of year due to weather challenges early in the growing season
  • A wet and cold spring contributed to insect pressure and increased fungus in the soil
  • Humidity in California’s San Joaquin Valley is also shortening shelf-life
• Honeydew quality is very good; shelf-life is normal with fewer issues being reported
• Markon recommends ordering for quick turns

Tomatoes

• California growers planted fewer acres due to last season’s weak tomato prices
• In addition, yield per acre is well-below normal for this time of year due to weather
• East coast and Mexico stocks are down
• Expect elevated prices into September

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

©2019 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved