The Texas onion season typically starts around the middle of March, but with weather that hasn't been very steady, some growers have seen their harvesting dates pushed back. Demand is expected to be good, and growers are hoping prices are stronger than they have been in previous years.
“We've had cloudy weather this growing season, and then we've had 95 degree days; it hasn't been predictable,” said Jeff Brechler of J&D Produce. This has caused the development of the crop to lag.
“It's been a slower process for the onion to get ready,” added Brechler. “The season usually starts in the middle of March, but we're about 10 days to two weeks late.” The season typically lasts through late-April. But when supplies do come through, Brechler noted, there shouldn't be any problems getting enough supplies to satisfy their customer base.
Demand is expected to be good this season, which should help raise prices from the levels that growers have gotten in the last few seasons. President of Dixondale Farms, Bruce Frasier, noted that his business has been robust this year. Dixondale supplies onion transplants to a variety of growers throughout the US, and he said that good demand for his transplants could mean the market for onions will be healthy this year.
“We've sold every transplant that's ready,” said Frasier. “So I guess onions are bringing in money.” Brechler also agreed that prices will likely be higher than they were last year.
“The market will stay pretty good, I think, around the $16 to $20 range,” he said. “That's better than the last few years.”
