NWFCS: Spring Weather Demand Impacting Northwest Row Crops

As we continue reviewing Northwest Farm Credit Service’s outlook of 2017 for key regional commodities, we turn to the row crops.

First, potatoes.  Karen Witt, NWFCS Vice President says low supplies of quality, fresh-packed potatoes are pushing up prices.

"The cool, wet spring will likely lead to lower yields for early dug potatoes. However, potatoes harvested later in the season may recover should warmer temperatures arise in July and August. Contracted potato growers continue to see slight profitability.”

Witt added uncontracted potato growers are likely to remain at below break-even levels.  As we turn our attention to onions.  Witt said cooler weather delayed and reduced the length of the onion growing season, which could dampen yields and quality.

“The National Onion Association’s April report indicates mixed to low demand for much of the second quarter. Grower returns are projected above breakeven; prices may improve with overall lower production and favorable marketing conditions. However, this depends highly on weather trends for the remainder of the growing season.”

She noted NWFCS’s 12-month outlook calls for slightly profitable returns for onion producers.

Join us Monday as our attention turns to the cattle and dairy industries.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com