Domestic turnip supplies look steady heading into the winter season.
“Supplies are good. We’re not having trouble getting them,” says Frank Ratto of Ratto Bros Inc. in Modesto, Ca. “Prices have been consistent for the last month and I don’t see it getting any different.”
Right now, Ratto Bros. receives poly turnips out of Bakersfield, Ca., a region in which production recently began and will continue on in for the next three months. Bakersfield is also better positioned for Ratto to pull supplies from given it wouldn’t have to incur significant freight costs. (Other further away regions such Oregon and Washington also supply turnips.) “And then before spring, Michigan will be a player in poly turnips,” he adds, noting Ratto receives turnips in 25 lbs. sacks.
Reliable commodity
On the demand side of the equation, Ratto notes that turnips are a steady commodity. “It’s a product that’s not a huge mover. They’re good stable vegetables,” he adds.
He notes that Thanksgiving tends to be the biggest pull for all vegetables, including turnips, though Christmas gets a smaller pick up in demand on them as well. Turnips also remain popular throughout the winter due to being a staple in a variety of winter dishes such as soups and stews.
Looking ahead, Ratto sees turnip supply and demand continuing to stay steady. “The price hasn’t changed at all—it’s been consistent,” he says. “It’s been very steady the last couple of weeks and I don’t foresee it changing.”
