Marketing

 U.S. ONIONS

 2009 Crop 

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 Federal-State 

 Market News Service 

 Georgia & Idaho 

 State Departments of Agriculture 

 Oregon State University 

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Cooperating with 

 United State Department of Agriculture 

 Agricultural Marketing Service 

 Fruit & Vegetable Programs
2 

Marketing U.S. ONIONS 

2009 CROP 

Foreword

This abbreviated summary is the result of new technology 

that allows you to select only the prices and shipments 

you are interested in. You can access the Fruit and 

Vegetable Market News Portal at 

http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/portal/fv

Historical shipment and price information can be obtained 

by using Run a Custom Report. 

The U.S. Onion Monthly Shipments and the Prices for

Idaho-Oregon Yellow Onions are examples for the 

Market News Portal. These were downloaded in Excel

and the Prices organized into a Pivot Table. 

The National Potato and Onion Report is still published and is available by subscription for mail 

or fax service. To subscribe to this report call 208-525-0166. It is also available on the Web at 

http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/mncs/idnop.pdf

If you have any questions, call the Idaho Falls Market News office at 208-525-0166. 

CONTRIBUTING REPORTERS 

PATRICIA R. WILLKIE DEBRA FRIDAY 

Local Representative Local Representative 

MICK J. DAVIE KEITH MURPHY 

Market Reporter Market Reporter 

Idaho Falls, ID Benton Harbor, MI 

(208)525-0166 (269)925-3270 

 
3 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2009 Season

California, Imperial Valley 4 

California, San Joaquin Valley 5-6 

Colorado, North & East Points 7-8 

Georgia, Vidalia District 9-10 

Idaho/Malheur County Oregon 11-13 

Michigan 14 

New Mexico, Southern 15-16 

New York, Orange County 17 

New York, Western & Central 18 

Texas, Lower Rio Grande Valley 19 

Texas, San Antonio-Winter Garden- Laredo District 20 

Washington, Columbia Basin/Umatilla Basin Oregon 21 

Washington, Walla Walla 22 

Mexican Crossings through South Texas 23 

Peru 24 

2009 Season Monthly Shipments 25 

2009 Season Processing Onion Shipments 26 

2009 Season Idaho/Malheur County Oregon Yellow F.O.B. 27 

2009 Season Idaho/Malheur County Oregon White F.O.B. 28 

2009 Season Idaho/Malheur County Oregon Red F.O.B. 29 

 
4 

MARKETING THE IMPERIAL VALLEY, CALIFORNIA ONIONS

2009 CROP

Acreage: According to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service, statewide 

acreage planted for spring non-storage 

onions in 2009 was 6,200 acres, a decrease 

from 2008 acreage of 6,700 acres. 

Harvested acreage in 2009 was 6,000 acres, 

a decrease from 2008 harvested acreage of 

6,500 acres. Yield per acre in 2009 was 410 

hundredweight (cwt), a decrease from 2008 

yield of 440 cwt. Production for 2009 was 

2,460,000 cwt, a decrease from 2008 

production of 2,860,000 cwt. 

Shipments: Fresh shipments from the 

Imperial Valley’s 2009 season totaled 2,299 

400-cwt units. This was a 16 percent 

decrease from 2008 shipments of 2,741 400-

cwt units. 

Fresh shipments of onions started shipping 

the weekending April 18 and continued 

through mid-June. The peak shipping 

month was May with 2,109 400-cwt 

shipped. 

Fresh market shipments, recorded by the 

Federal-State Market News Service in Idaho 

Falls, Idaho, do not include “known” 

processing shipments (although some 

shipments may end up being processed). 

The Imperial Valley reporting region 

includes the following areas: Brawley, El 

Centro, Holtville, and Imperial. 

Crop & Weather: Fresh market onions 

were being planted in mid-November. 

Fields were weeded, irrigated, and treated 

for pests and mildew during the rest of the 

month. By mid-December, onions were 

emerging. Fields were being weeded, 

irrigated, fertilized, and treated to control 

weeds, insects, and mildew. There were 

heavy rains across the State the third week 

of December that halted field activity. 

By the first week in January, Southern 

California basked in sunny and 

unseasonably warm weather as the cool high 

pressure over the north created a dry 

offshore flow across the southern counties. 

Groundwork continued mid-January as 

fields were weeded, irrigated, fertilized, and 

treated for weeds, insects, and mildew. By 

the end of January, vegetable crops were 

thriving due to warmer weather and 

maturing at a faster rate than forecasted. 

During the first week of February, the first 

of two Pacific storm systems reached coastal 

California. The first system brought 

widespread rainfall and cooler temperatures 

to most of the State. During both storms, 

the heaviest rains were reported across 

Southern California. 

Harvest started the first week of April. 

Fields were being cultivated, irrigated, and 

treated with herbicides. Harvest was 

complete by the middle of June. 

Marketing: 50-pound sacks of Yellow 

Grano jumbos opened the season at $4.75-

5.00 the week of April 25, 2009. The last 

report was issued during the weekending 

May 30, 2009 at $6.00. 

50-pound sacks of White jumbos opened the 

season at $6.00-7.00 May 2, 2009. The last 

report was issued during the weekending 

May 23, 2009 at $5.00-8.00. 

25-pound sacks of Red Globe Type jumbos 

opened the season at $5.00-5.50 May 2, 

2009. The last report was issued during the 

weekending May 30, 2009 at $4.00-4.75. 

Packaging: Onions were sized, sorted, 

graded and packed prior to shipments. 50-

pound sacks remain the dominant package 

for Yellow and White Types. The most 

widely used package for Red Globe Type 

onions are the 25-pound sacks. Some 

onions were also packed in baled 2, 3, 5 and 

10-pound consumer mesh sacks. 
5 

MARKETING THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA ONIONS

2009 CROP

Acreage: According to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service, State acreage 

planted for summer non-storage onion in 

2009 was 6,600 acres, a twenty-five percent 

decrease from 2008 acreage of 7,800 acres. 

Harvested acreage in 2009 was 6,400 acres, 

a decrease from 2008 harvested acreage of 

7,600 acres. Yield per acre in 2009 was 540 

hundredweight (cwt), the same as 2008s 

yield of 540 cwt. Production for 2009 was 

3,456,000 cwt, a decrease from 2008s 

production of 4,104,000 cwt. 

Shipments: Fresh shipments from the San 

Joaquin Valley’s 2009 season totaled 9,219 

400-cwt units, a seven percent decrease 

from 2008s shipments of 9,902 400-cwt 

units. 

Shipments began during the weekending 

May 16, 2009 and ended the weekending 

January 23, 2010. July was the peak 

shipping month with 3,840 400-cwt units 

shipped. 

Fresh market shipments, recorded by the 

Federal-State Market News Service in Idaho 

Falls, Idaho, do not include :Known” 

processing shipments (although some 

shipments may end up being processed). 

The San Joaquin Valley reporting region 

includes the following areas: Lodi, Ripon, 

Manteca, Modesto, Madera, Riverdale, 

Fresno, Watsonville, Hollister, Salinas, 

Santa Maria, Mendota, Stockton, Merced, 

Oxnard, Somis, Huron, and Bakersfield. 

Crop & Weather: Fresh market onions 

were being planted the weekending 

December 21, 2008. During the first part of 

the week, a series of cold winter storms 

spread valley rain and mountain snow all 

across California. The rest of the week, 

California saw more sunshine and slightly 

warmer temperatures. During the first week 

of 2009, commercial onions were 

transplanted and onion bulbs were planted 

for seed production. At the beginning of the 

week, cool, moist air remained over much of 

northern California, resulting in cool and 

foggy weather over much of the interior. A 

persistent fog plagued the San Joaquin 

Valley the end of weekending January 11. 

During the last week of January, fields were 

prepared for spring planting and bulbs were 

planted for seed. 

The second week of January, the first of two 

Pacific storm systems brought widespread 

rainfall and cooler temperatures to most of 

the State. The heaviest rains were reported 

across Southern California. A brief respite 

came late Friday and Saturday, before the 

second low pressure system came ashore the 

South-Central coast Saturday night. Again 

the focus of the heaviest rains was in the 

south while the northern counties saw light 

precipitation. As weather permitted, field 

preparations for spring plantings were 

underway and fertilizer was applied. These 

activities continued into the next week. 

Temperatures in the Valley were cooler due 

to a cold air mass embedded in a slow 

moving low pressure system during the 

weekending February 15. The following 

week saw continued field preparation for 

spring planting but was halted early because 

of rainy weather. As field conditions 

improved onion fields were being prepared. 

Herbicides were applied to fields the last 

week of February. 

During the first week of March, onions were 

emerging nicely from the ground. Onion 

were fertilized, treated with pesticides, and 

irrigated throughout the rest of March and 

into April. Onions in Fresno County were 

irrigated and fertilized during the 

weekending April 19. During the 

weekending April 26, Bakersfield area 

onions were treated with mildew sprays and 

for thrips. 
6 

During the weekending May 3, Fresno 

County onions were treated with fungicide 

to prevent downy mildew. The following 

week, treatments for thrips and aphids were 

applied to onions. In Fresno County, onions 

were sprayed with a second application for 

downy mildew. During the weekending 

May 17, onions in Fresno County were 

nearly ready for harvest. Red onions in 

Tulare County continued to be harvested. In 

Sutter County, onions were treated for 

aphids and thrips. These activities 

continued throughout the month of May. 

During the first week of May, a series of 

thunderstorms aligned mid-week across the 

State to create an unusual event. Bried 

heavy rain, small sized hail, and frequent 

dangerous lightning dominated the sky in 

the path of these thunderstorms. Hail in 

Fresno County destroyed acrs of onions. 

Irrigation and maintenance activities 

progressed in Sutter County as onions were 

treated for thrips and aphids. These 

activities continued for the rest of the month 

in the San Joaquin Valley. 

Harvest began the first week of July in Kern 

and Fresno Counties. During the week 

ending July 12, harvest of Red and White 

onions began in Merced County. The 

following week, fresh market onions were 

harvested in Sutter County with good quality 

reported. During the weekending July 26, 

onions were being harvested in Fresno 

County. Processing onions were about 

halfway through the harvest and yields were 

expected to be above average. The second 

half of fresh market onions were also being 

harvested and it was anticipated that the hail 

damage from a few months ago would affect 

the yield. In Merced County, Red and 

White onions were being harvested. During 

the last week of July, some onion fields 

were rolled and bulbs cured in preparation 

of harvest in Fresno County. In Tulare 

County, harvest continued. The last of the 

onions in Kern County were being 

harvested. Harvest of Red and White onions 

continued in Merced County. 

Harvest continued on Red and White onions 

in Fresno County the first week of August. 

Mid-August saw the completion of the fresh 

market onion harvest in Fresno County with 

some quality issues caused by hail in the 

early season. Harvest of Red and White 

onions continued in Merced County. During 

the weekending August 23, Red and White 

onions were being harvested in Merced and 

Sutter County. Harvest was complete in 

Tulare County. Harvest was complete in the 

San Joaquin Valley by the second week of 

September. 

Marketing: The first report on Red Flat 

Type jumbos in 40-pound cartons was 

issued during the weekending May 23, 2009 

at $12.00-16.00. The last report was issued 

during the weekending July 18, 2009 at 

$10.00-11.00. 

The first report of 50-pound sacks of Yellow 

Hybrid Type jumbos was issued during the 

weekending June 6, 2009 at $7.00. The last 

report was issued during the weekending 

August 22, 2009 at $9.00-9.50. 

The first report of White Type jumbos in 50-

pound sacks was issued during the 

weekending June 13, 2009 at $8.00-9.00. 

The last report was issued during the 

weekending August 8, 2009 at $12.00-

13.00. 

The first report of 25-pound sacks of Red 

Globe Type jumbos was issued during the 

weekending June 6, 2009 at $5.50-6.00. 

The last report was issued during the 

weekending August 22, 2009 at $9.00. 

Packaging: Onions were sized, sorted, 

graded, and packed prior to shipping. 50-

pound sacks remained the dominate package 

for Yellow and White onions. Red Flat 

Types were predominately packed in 40-

pound cartons, with Red Globe Type in 25-

pound sacks. Some onions were also packed 

in baled 2, 3, 5, and 10-pound consumer 

mesh sacks.
7 

MARKETING THE NORTH AND EAST POINTS COLORADO ONIONS

2009 CROP

Acreage: According to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service, there were 

8,000 acres of storage onions planted in 

Colorado in 2009, compared to 8,000 acres 

in 2008. Harvested acreage in 2009 was 

6,600 compared to 7,500 acres in 2008. 

Yield in 2009 was 410 hundredweight (cwt) 

per acre, an increase of 2008 yield of 380 

cwt. Production in 2009 was 2,706,000 cwt, 

a five percent decrease from 2008 

production of 2,850,000 cwt. 

Shipments: Fresh shipments from the 

North and East Points Colorado District 

2009 season totaled 5,235 400-cwt units, a 3 

percent decrease from 2008s 5,401 400-cwt 

units. 

Fresh shipments started the weekending July 

25, 2009 and continued through the 

weekending March 13, 2010. August was 

the peak shipping month with 1,120 400-cwt 

units shipped. Fresh market shipments, 

recorded by the Federal-State Market News 

Service in Idaho Falls, Idaho, do not include 

“known” processing shipments (although 

some shipments may end up being 

processed). 

The North and East Points Colorado 

reporting areas include the following 

counties: Weld, Morgan, Adams, Pueblo, 

and Otero. 

Growing Conditions: Conditions the first 

week of March across the State were warm 

and dry. Most of the State experienced 

precipitation levels well-below average for 

that time of year. During the weekending 

March 15, conditions across Colorado 

continued to be extremely dry. Most of the 

State experienced precipitation levels wellbelow average for this time of the year and 

temperatures during the week were a little 

below average. Overall, mountain 

snowpack was 103 percent of the average. 

Onions were fifteen percent planted, eight 

percent ahead of the 5 year average. The 

following week Colorado continued to 

experience drought conditions. The State 

didn’t receive any precipitation throughout 

the week and temperatures were well above 

average. The crop was twenty percent 

planted compared to nine percent in 2008. 

Colorado received some much needed 

moisture the weekending March 29 from a 

statewide blizzard. This storm put 

precipitation amount above normal for most 

of the State but a couple regions still 

experienced below normal moisture. 

Temperatures were slightly below average 
8 

for the week. Overall, mountain snowpack 

was ninety-nine percent of the average. 

Colorado continued to receive moisture 

throughout the weekending April 5 mostly 

in the form of snow. This had put 

precipitation amounts above normal for the 

southern and western regions while the rest 

of the State still experienced below normal 

moisture levels. Temperatures were well 

below average. The west slope areas 

received multiple days of below freezing 

temperatures. Overall, mountain snowpack 

was 104 percent of the average. The 

following week, Colorado received below 

normal amounts of moisture and 

temperatures remained below average. 

During the weekending April 19, Colorado 

enjoyed some much needed moisture. A 

spring rain/snow storm brought measurable 

amounts of precipitation to the majority of 

the State. Mountain snowpack increased to 

111 percent of average. Colorado didn’t 

receive any moisture the following week and 

temperatures averaged about seven degrees 

above normal. 

Most of Colorado received above average 

amounts of moisture during the weekending 

May 24, with the exception of the Western 

Slope and Denver area. The benefits of 

much needed precipitation were becoming 

evident in crop emergence and crop 

conditions. Temperatures were about eight 

degrees above normal. Planting was nearly 

complete and in mostly good condition. 

For the rest of May and most of June the 

area received above average amounts of 

precipitation and temperatures were normal. 

By the end of June, temperatures were 

warmer which accelerated crop growth. 

Most of the State received a good amount of 

moisture. 

Harvest started the first week of August and 

was complete by the end of October. 

Marketing: The first report for Yellow 

Hybrid jumbos in 50-pound sacks was 

issued during the weekending August 22, 

2009 at $10.00-12.00. The last report was 

issued during the weekending January 30, 

2010 at $11.00-12.00. 

The first report for White Type jumbos in 

50-pound sacks was issued during the 

weekending August 29, 2009 at $12.00. The 

last report was issued during the weekending 

October 31, 2009 at $9.00. 

The first report for Red Globe Type jumbos 

in 25-pound sacks was issued during the 

weekending August 22, 2009 at $11.00. The 

last report was issued during the weekending 

December 19, 2009 at $8.00-9.00. 

Packaging: Yellow and White onions are 

packed in 50-pound mesh sacks. Red Globe 

Types are packed in 25-pound mesh sacks. 
9 

MARKETING THE VIDALIA DISTRICT, GEORGIA ONIONS

2009 CROP

Production: The Vidalia District 

production area is located in the 

southeastern section of the State. The 

Georgia Department of Agriculture first 

defined the production area in 1986 to 

include all or parts of approximately twenty 

southeastern counties. Legislation requires 

onions to be of the Granex Type in order to 

carry the Vidalia Sweet Onion label. 

According to the Georgia Agricultural 

Statistics Service of the USDA, growers 

planted 12,000 acres in 2009, the same as 

2008s 12,000 acres. Harvested onion 

acreage in 2009 was 10,500 acres, compared 

to 11,500 acres in 2008. Yield per acre was 

240 hundredweight (cwt), a decrease from 

2008s yield of 320 cwt. Total production in 

2009 was 2,520,000 cwt, compared to the 

2008 production of 3,680,000 cwt. 

Shipments: Fresh shipments from the 

Vidalia District in Georgia were 4,485 400-

cwt units, a nineteen percent decrease from 

the 2008 shipments of 5,511 400-cwt units. 

May was the peak shipping month with 

1,386 400-cwt units shipped. Of the 5,511 

400-cwt units shipped, 43 400-cwt units 

were organic, and 3 400-cwt units were Red 

Globe Type. Onions are marketed and 

shipped commercially by truck. There is 

also a considerable amount marketed via 

roadside stands and mail order. 

Weather & Crop: During the weekending 

November 9, 2008 conditions were dry. 

Daily average highs were in the low 70s and 

lows in the 40s. Twenty-two percent of 

onions were transplanted by this time 

compared to two percent the previous year. 

Scattered showers the end of the following 

week was beneficial to the State. Cool 

temperatures and lack of rain the following 

week slowed most crop progress throughout 

the State the third week of November, 

except onions which were sixty-two percent 

transplanted compared to ten percent in 

2008. During the last week of November, 

some crops suffered freeze damage from 

cold weather. Rain received late in the week 

improved soil moisture conditions in some 

areas. Onions transplanted were eighty-two 

percent compared to twelve percent in 2008. 

Crop condition was ninety-nine percent 

good and one percent excellent. During the 

first week of December areas of the State 

benefited from rainfall as conditions were 

dry. Most of the State received much 

needed rainfall during the last week of 

December. In some areas, topsoil moisture 

was recovering. 

Weather the first week of January was cool 

until mid-week when temperatures became 

warm with light rain falling over the 

weekend. The State experienced cold 

temperatures the end of January, except for 

the last week when temperatures warmed up 

enough to allow farmers to make 

preparations for spring planting. 

The warmer weather was short-lived as the 

State experienced cold and windy conditions 

with very little rainfall the following week. 

The lack of rain had reduced topsoil 

moisture and lowered pond levels. During 

the weekending February 15, temperatures 

dropped some by the weekend, but overall 

the weather remained warm during the 

week. The lack of rainfall and continued 

dry weather could delay planting, especially 

where irrigation was not available. The 

following week the State experienced cold 

conditions with heavy rains and high winds 

mid-week. The rains had been beneficial 
10 

but scattered. During the last week of the 

month a cold front blew through the State on 

Sunday, dropping temperatures 

significantly. Earlier in the week, daily 

average high temperatures ranged from the 

upper 50s to 60s. On Sunday, the average 

high dropped to the mid-40s. Average lows 

ranged from the mid 20s to the lower 50s. 

The State received rain on Friday and 

Saturday prior to the cold front. Crop 

condition was one percent poor, thirty-nine 

percent fair and sixty percent good. 

Temperatures the following week were cool 

early in the week but warmed up by the 

weekend. 

During the weekending March 15, Georgia 

experienced warm temperatures early in the 

week. Cooler temperatures and scattered 

rain arrived later in the week. Temperatures 

warmed up the following week, in time for 

the official start of spring. Georgia 

experienced heavy rains towards the end of 

the last week of the month. 

Cloudy, wet weather marked the first week 

of April. In some areas, ponds were over 

flowing and pastures were under water from 

heavy rains. Rains caused erosion in some 

areas. Some crops washed away and were 

going to have to be replanted. During the 

weekending April 12, Georgia experienced 

sunny and cool temperatures and 

thunderstorms on Friday. Freezing 

temperatures early in the week damaged 

some crops. The earthquake that hit 

Northwestern Hancock measured 2.2 in 

magnitude and was felt in many parts of the 

country. Onion harvest began with three 

percent of the crop harvested. Much of 

Georgia experienced sunny skies and cool 

temperatures the following week with 

beginning and end of the week rainfall. 

During the weekending April 26, 

temperatures increased and many fields 

dried out. The crop was sixteen percent 

harvest by the end of the month and 

conditions were one percent poor, thirtynine percent fair, fifty-nine percent good, 

and one percent excellent. Much of the 

State experienced sunny temperatures and 

dry conditions during the last week of April 

with rain over the weekend. 

It rained throughout the weekending May 

10. In many areas the ground was too wet to 

get any work done. The following week 

brought scattered showers to the area but 

growers were still trying to harvest. During 

the weekending May 24 it rained again. 

Growers struggled with wet conditions 

causing harvest to fall behind. Harvest was 

seventy-five percent complete compared to 

82 percent in 2008. It also rained the last 

week of May which delayed field activities 

until late in the week. Some produce 

couldn’t be harvested and harvest still 

lagged behind last year. 

Harvest was once again hindered by wet 

fields the first week of June. Farmers were 

concerned about diseases in all crops due to 

wet conditions. Harvest was complete by 

the third week of June. 

Marketing: The first report was issued 

during the weekending April 25, 2009. 40-

pound cartons of Yellow Granex – Marked 

Sweet jumbos were $16.00-18.00. The last 

report was issued August 15, 1009 at 

$20.00-22.00. 

Packaging: The most widely used package 

for the Yellow Granex – Marked Sweet 

onions in 2009 was the 40-pound carton. 

Shippers also used master container 12-3 

pound, 16-3 pound, 24 2-pound, and 8 5-

pound mesh sacks. 
11 

MARKETING THE IDAHO AND MALHEUR COUNTY, OREGON ONIONS

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: There were 20,200 

acres of onions planted in the two-State 

district in 2009, according to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service (9,000 acres 

in Idaho and 11,200 acres in Malheur 

County, Oregon). This was a slight increase 

from the 2008 acreage of 20,200 acres 

(8,800 acres in Idaho and 12,200 acres in 

Malheur County). 20,200 acres were 

harvested in 2009. 

The yield per acre in Idaho was 740 cwt, a 

three percent increase from the 2008 yield of 

720 hundredweight (cwt) per acre. The 

yield per acre in Malheur County was 700 

cwt, a one percent decrease from the 2008 

yield of 710 cwt per acre. Production in 

Idaho was 6,512,000 cwt and in Malheur 

County it was 7,840,000 cwt for a total of 

14,352,000 cwt. This was a three percent 

decrease from the 2008 production of 

14,854,000 cwt. 

 

Shipments: Fresh shipments for the 2009 

season totaled 22,011 400-cwt units. This 

was a two percent increase from the 2008 

shipments of 21,674 400-cwt units. 

Shipments started July 2009 and continued 

through May 2010. September was the peak 

shipping month with 3,065 400-cwt units 

shipped. 

Exports for the season totaled 923 400-cwt 

units, a ten percent decrease from the 2008 

exports of 1,021 400-cwt units. 

Fresh market shipments do not include 

“known” processing shipments (although 

some shipments may end up being 

processed). 

Planting, Growing, & Harvest: Farming 

had begun in some lower elevation areas in 

Idaho the end of March. Temperatures 

across the State ranged from 3 to 10 degrees 

below normal for the week. Rain in the 

southwestern and south central districts 

delayed field progress. Twenty-eight 

percent of the crop had been planted 

compared to fifty-two percent in 2008. Four 

percent had emerged compared to nine 

percent in 2008. Warm dry weather midApril improved growing conditions. 

Conditions worsened the end of the 

following week as cool weather moved into 

the State. However, temperatures ranged 

from normal to eight degrees above normal. 

Planting was complete and emergence was 

seventy-eight percent compared to forty-six 

percent in 2008. 

During the weekending May 3, statewide 

conditions were cool and wet. Temperatures 

were 3 to 8 degrees below normal. 

Emergence was ninety-two percent complete 

compared to eighty percent in 2008. 

Conditions in the beginning of the 

weekending May 10 were cool and wet for 

most of the State. Warm and dry weather 

moved in at the end of the week which 

improved conditions. Emergence was 100 

percent complete. 

The month of June was wetter than normal. 

Statewide, in mid-July, crops were in mostly 

good to excellent condition because of warm 

weather and adequate irrigation supplies. 

They remained that way until the 

weekending August 19. Rain fell during the 

latter half of that week. More than an inch 

of rain was recorded at the station in the 
12 

Treasure Valley in southwest Idaho. Nearly 

every weather station in southern Idaho 

recorded below normal temperatures for the 

week. Harvest began and was ten percent 

complete by the end of August. 

Temperatures ranged from 4 to 11 degrees 

above normal the first week of September 

and precipitation was consistently below 

normal. Weather conditions remained 

favorable through the month of September 

and by the end of the month harvest was 

eighty-two percent complete which was 

fourteen percentage points ahead of the 5 

year average. Harvest was complete by 

mid-October. 

Cold and windy was the best description for 

Malheur County weather the first week of 

April. High temperatures were well below 

normal most days with frost during the 

night. Scattered showers didn’t produce 

much overall moisture. The following 

week, high temperatures were a little above 

normal and low temperatures were near 

frost. Scattered showers again didn’t 

produce much overall moisture. Water was 

in all the main irrigation ditches. During the 

first of the weekending April 19, high 

temperatures were about 10 degrees below 

normal with high northerly winds on 

Tuesday and Wednesday. It was warmer 

and the winds had calmed down by the end 

of the week. Field irrigation had started. 

During the weekending April 26, 

temperatures were high through Wednesday. 

It was 80 to 85 degrees, 15 to 20 degrees 

above normal. High temperatures later in 

the week were 10 to 15 degrees below 

normal at 55 to 60, with frost or near frost. 

Irrigating or getting irrigation started was 

the main activity because it had been very 

dry with no rain. During the weekending 

May 3, high and low temperatures were 

below normal. It was dry until Sunday and 

then general showers produced .69 inches of 

rain. April was mostly a cold month and 

very dry. There were several storms over 

the weekend (May 2-3) carrying heavy rains 

and a few hail showers. As of weeks end 

there were no reports of any damage from 

the hail storms. 

During the weekending May 10, the area 

received wind, rain, and hail from 

Wednesday through Sunday. The Idaho side 

was hit the hardest with Payette and 

Fruitdale getting the most. Vale and Ontario 

were hit as well. Rain fell each day through 

Wednesday so there was no field activity. 

Row crops were behind 5-14 days 

depending on location and conditions. The 

following week was a mild week with lots of 

field activity. During the weekending May 

24, high temperatures were above normal, 

around 80 degrees and conditions were dry. 

Irrigating and some spraying took place. 

The first half of the last week of May was 

near normal with slightly higher than normal 

average temperatures. The last half of the 

week, high temperatures shot into the low 

90s, 15 degrees above normal. Scattered 

thunder showers occurred in the evenings. 

Irrigating and spraying continued. There 

were reports from the southern part of the 

county that water supplies were very low. 

Vale Irrigation District was reportedly very 

low on water for the year with reports that 

water would be shut off in late July. 

A week of scattered thunder showers 

marked the first week of June. Rainfall 

amount varied with most of northern 

Malheur County receiving some rain at one 

time or another. Temperatures all week 

were near normal but with high humidity, 

around fifty percent. The high temperatures 

of the prior weeks helped crop growth. 
13 

Most field activity was stopped by weeks 

end. Some washout was expected with the 

amount of rain that was received. The 

following week had many showers and cool 

temperatures. Field conditions varied 

depending on the intensity and location of 

the showers. The following week also 

received heavy amounts of rain. During the 

weekending June 28, high temperatures 

were above normal, around 95 degrees. On 

Wednesday. Recent rain and cool weather 

helped preserve reservoir water. 

By mid-July, hot weather brought crops on 

at a faster rate. Two or three weeks ago 

most crops were considered about two 

weeks behind but the hot weather had closed 

the gap. During the weekending July 26, 

normal high temperatures are usually 90-91 

degrees but actual high temperatures were 

97-98 degrees. These temperatures helped 

bring along crops that were considered 

behind earlier in the season. Keeping crops 

irrigated was the main concern. The 

weather remained hot with temperatures 

about 5 degrees above normal until August 8 

and 9 when heavy rains hit parts of the 

county. The weather was back to hot and 

dry by the third week of August and onion 

harvest had started. Some irrigation districts 

ran out of water by the end of August, which 

was early this year. 

Temperatures the first week of September 

were high, ranging from 5 to 10 degrees 

above normal with threats of thunderstorms 

but no significant moisture fell. Early 

onions were being harvested. Cool weather 

the first of the weekending September 13 

turned hot again later in the week. It was 

dry throughout the week which made 

conditions ideal for harvesting. Harvested 

onions were being stored due to the weak 

demand on the market. 

During the weekending October 4, a low 

pressure system moved through the area the 

first part of the week resulting in the 

season’s first frost in early morning hours on 

Friday, October 2. Low temperatures 

ranged from 28 to 32 degrees. Harvest 

operations continued. Onions were at or 

past their peak. About 3⁄4 of an inch of rain 

fell Wednesday and Thursday, October 21-

22. Harvest was almost done. Except for 

the rain showers, harvest conditions 

remained ideal. 

Marketing: The first report for Yellow 

Spanish Hybrid jumbo 50-pound sacks U.S. 

One was issued during the weekending 

August 22, 2009 at $9.00. The last report 

was issued during the weekending April 24, 

2010 at $45.00. 

The first report for White Type large 50-

pound sacks U.S. One was issued during the 

weekending August 29, 2009 at $10.00-

12.00. The last report was issued during the 

weekending February 6, 2010 at $25.00-

28.00. 

The first report for Red Globe Type large 

25-pound sacks U.S. One was issued during 

the weekending August 22, 2009 at $9.00-

11.00. The last report was issued during the 

weekending April 24, 2010 at $23.00-26.00. 

Packaging: The dry onions were sized, 

sorted, graded and packed just prior to 

shipment from the field of storage. 50-

pound sacks remain the dominant package 

for Yellow and White onions and 25-pound 

sacks for red onions. Cartons for food 

service and retail are gaining in popularity; 

some onions were also packed in 2, 3, 5, and 

10-pound consumer mesh sacks in cartons. 
14 

MARKETING MICHIGAN ONIONS

2009 CROP

Highlights: One of the coldest and wettest 

years on record here would lead to a short 

season for most growers. While yields were 

up considerably compared to last season, it 

must be remembered that last season’s crop 

was damaged heavily by hail. Most growers 

were frustrated all season long with quality 

issues, often times having to run onions 2-3 

times to meet good delivery standards. It 

must also be noted that the increase in 

shipments where again a result of last year’s 

damage, coupled with strong market 

conditions in competing areas that allowed 

growers to market onions that would have 

normally been discarded. The Michigan 

onion deal usually runs from late August 

through mid-April but was complete a 

month early this year. 

Acreage & Production: According to 

National Agricultural Statistics Service, 

planted acreage in Michigan remained 

steady from last season at 4,000 acres. 

Harvested acreage increased by five percent 

from 3,600 acres in 2008, to 3,800 acres this 

season. Production increased from 1,008 

(1,000 cwt.) in 2008 to 1,330 (1,000 cwt) 

this season. This was an increase of 24 

percent. This season yields increased 

considerably coming in at an average of 350 

cwt per acre. This was an increase of 20 

percent from last season. 

Harvesting: Most growers had to dodge 

wet weather from start to finish this season. 

It was obvious again this season to most 

growers that quality would be an issue to be 

reckoned with down the road. Light 

harvesting began in mid-July and nearly all 

harvesting was complete by the end of 

September. 

Shipments: The first onion shipments were 

reported the weekending September 12, 

2009. The month of November was the 

heaviest month for shipments when 334 

loads were shipped. A total of 1,779 loads 

were shipped this season compared to 1,568 

loads last season. This was a decrease of 12 

percent. The last shipments were reported 

the weekending March 13, 2010, when 36 

loads were shipped. 

Marketing: The first F.O.B. was issued the 

weekending September 12, 2009. Yellow 

Globe Type 50-pound sacks of medium sold 

for $8.00-8.50, repacker size $9.00-9.50, 

and 16 3-pound mesh sacks of medium sold 

for $9.00-10.00, repacker size $10.50-11.00. 

The final report was issued the weekending 

February 27, 2010, when 50-pound sacks of 

medium were sold for $10.50-13.00, 

repacker size $9.00-12.00 and 16 3-pound 

mesh sacks of medium were sold for $12.00-

14.00, repacker size $10.00-13.00. The first 

report for Round Red Globe Type was 

reported the weekending September 26, 

2009 when 25-pound sacks of jumbos were 

sold for $8.00-8.25 and finished the season 

the weekending February 6,2010 at $8.00-

8.50. 
15 

MARKETING SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO ONIONS

2009 CROP

Acreage: According to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service, New Mexico 

statewide acreage for summer nonprocessing onions in 2009 was 5,200 acres, 

a decrease from 7,000 acres in 2008. 

Harvested acreage in 2009 was 5,000 acres, 

compared to 6,600 acres in 2008. The yield 

per acre in 2009 was 550 hundredweight 

(cwt), a seventeen percent increase from the 

2008 yield of 500 cwt. Production in 2009 

was 2,750,000 cwt, which was seventeen 

percent less than the 2008 production of 

3,300,000 cwt. 

Shipments: Fresh shipments for the 2009 

season totaled 6,590 400-cwt units, which 

was a decrease of ten percent from the 2008 

shipments of 7,306 400-cwt units. Fresh 

shipments started the weekending May 30, 

2009 and continued through the weekending 

September 12, 2009. The peak shipping 

month was July with 2,636 400-cwt units. 

Fresh market shipments, recorded by the 

Federal-State Market News Service in Idaho 

Falls, Idaho, do not include “Known” 

processing shipments (although some 

shipments may end up being processed). 

The Southern New Mexico reporting area 

includes the following areas: Las Cruces, 

Hatch, Demming, Anthony, New Mexico 

and Fabins, Texas. 

Crop & Weather: The crop was seventy 

percent planted compared to sixty-four 

percent last year. Temperatures were well 

above normal for the week. They were in 

twenty-nine percent fair, thirty-four percent 

good, and thirty-seven percent excellent 

condition. During the weekending March 

15, planting was ninety-two percent 

complete compared to eighty-eight percent 

in 2008. Temperatures across the State 

averaged out to be near normal while most 

of the State saw at least a little precipitation. 

Onion condition, the third week of March, 

was mostly good ranging from fair to 

excellent. Ninety-seven percent of the crop 

was planted compared to ninety-nine percent 

in 2008. High pressure provided dry and 

mild conditions Monday through 

Wednesday. A back door cold front moved 

into the State Wednesday night cooling 

temperatures. During the last week of the 

month, condition was mostly good with 

planting complete. Temperatures in the 

Southern portion of the State were in the 

high to low eighties and lows in the high 

forties to lower fifties. 

By the end of April, condition had dropped 

from mostly good to excellent the beginning 

of the month to mostly fair to good. During 

the last week of the month, mostly sunny 

skies and above normal temperatures 

prevailed across New Mexico through 

midweek under a ridge of high pressure 

aloft. On Thursday a few showers and 

thunderstorms developed across South East 

and South Central New Mexico with 

minimal amounts of precipitation reported. 

An upper level storm system brought windy 
16 

conditions to the State late in the week and 

into the weekend. 

Most of April saw the onion crop in mostly 

fair to good condition. 

During the second week of May the 

condition improved to good to excellent 

condition. Fair weather and very warm 

temperatures prevailed. Record high 

temperatures were noted across the Central 

and South Central portions of the State. A 

cold front provided relief from the hot 

temperatures as it moved across New 

Mexico Friday night and Saturday. During 

the weekending May 25, condition was 

mostly fair to good with sixteen percent 

harvested. This week there were numerous 

scattered showers and occasional 

thunderstorms throughout the State. 

Average temperatures for the Southern part 

of New Mexico were around the mid to 

upper sixties. Departures from normal in 

this area ranged from 5 degrees below 

normal to reaching the actual normal for the 

week. Moisture during Memorial Day 

weekend gave the State some much needed 

rain. By the end of the month, onions were 

in mostly good condition with twenty-eight 

percent harvested, compared to seventeen 

percent last year. 

By the end of June, condition was mostly 

good with seventy-five percent harvested, 

compared to 73 percent last year. 

During the first week of July harvest was 

still seventy-five complete, compared to 

eighty-three percent in 2008. Showers and 

thunderstorms were scattered across most 

sections of New Mexico during the week. 

Higher rainfall amounts were reported from 

Central and North Central New Mexico to 

the Eastern and Southern borders. 

Temperatures for the week were generally at 

or slightly below normal. By the end of 

July, conditions ranged from fair to 

excellent with ninety-two percent harvested. 

Harvest was complete this same time in 

2008. More scattered showers and 

thunderstorms kept the majority of the State 

wet. 

Temperatures were close to normal. Harvest 

was complete by the end of August. 

Marketing: The first report for Yellow 

Grano jumbos in 50-pound sacks was issued 

during the weekending May 30, 2009 at 

$7.00. The last report was issued the 

weekending August 15, 2009 at $10.00. 

The first report for White Type jumbo 

onions in 50-pound sacks was issued during 

the weekending June 13, 2009 at $8.00-

10.00. The last report was issued the 

weekending August 15, 2009 at $14.00. 

The first report for Red Globe Type jumbo 

onions in 25-pound sacks was issued during 

the weekending June 6, 2009 at $7.00. The 

last report was issued the weekending 

August 15, 2009 at $12.00. 

Packaging: Onions were sized, sorted, 

graded and packed prior to shipment. 50-

pound sacks remain the dominant package 

for Yellow and White onions. Red Globe 

Type is packaged primarily in 25-pound 

sacks. Some onions were also packed in 2, 

3, 5, and 10-pound consumer mesh sacks. 
17 

MARKETING ORANGE COUNTY NEW YORK ONIONS

2009 CROP

Highlights: Disaster strikes again! Hail 

late in the growing season resulted in the 

loss of nearly all Reds and half a crop of 

Yellows! The Orange County New York 

onion deal usually runs from mid-August 

through mid-March but was cut short this 

season by a month and a half. 

Acreage & Production: According to 

National Agricultural Statistics Service, for 

all of New York State, planted acreage was 

unchanged from last season at 10,600 acres. 

Harvested acreage increased slightly from 

10,100 acres in 2008, to 10,300 acres in 

2009. This was a two percent increase in 

harvested acreage. Yield per acre increased 

slightly this season from 410 cwt per acre in 

2008, to 415 cwt per acre in 2009. This was 

a one percent increase from last season. 

Production in 1,000 cwt in 2008 was 4,141 

compared to 4,275 in 2009. This was a 

three percent increase. 

Harvesting: A few growers began 

harvesting transplants in mid-July and most 

growers were finished by mid September, 

nearly a month early. 

Shipments: The first shipments for the 

2009 season were reported the weekending 

August 29, 2009. The heaviest shipping 

month was September when 148 loads were 

shipped. A total of 672 loads were shipped 

during the season compared to 1,313 loads 

last season. This was a decrease of 49 

percent! The last shipments were reported 

the weekending January 30, 2010 when 18 

loads were shipped. 

Marketing: The first F.O.B. was issued the 

weekending September 19, 2009 when 50-

pound sacks of Yellow Globe Type medium 

2 1⁄4 inch minimum were sold for $9.00-

10.00, and 16 3-pound mesh sacks of 

medium 2 1⁄4 inch minimum were sold for 

$11.00-12.00, 2 inch minimum $7.00-7.50. 

The first 50-pound sacks of 2 inch minimum 

were not reported until the weekending 

December 5, 2009 and were sold for $5.00-

6.00. There were no Reds reported this 

season. The last report was issued the 

weekending January 30, 2010 when 50-

pound sacks of medium 2 1⁄4 inch minimum 

sold for $8.50-9.00 and 2 inch minimum 

sold for $7.00-8.00. 16 3-pound medium 2 

1⁄4 inch minimum were sold for $9.00-11.00 

and 2 inch minimum sold for 8.50-9.50. 
18 

MARKETING WESTERN & CENTRAL NEW YORK ONIONS

2009 CROP

Highlights: HISTORICAL PRICES! 

Many growers expressed that they had not 

seen prices this high in a generation. Due to 

a slow start for most growers, they were able 

to ship longer and take advantage of the 

misfortune of growers in other production 

areas. It is still unclear as to what the cause 

was of such a poor crop of Reds in the state. 

The Western and Central New York onion 

deal usually runs from mid-August through 

early May. 

Acreage & Production: According to 

National Agricultural Statistics Service, for 

all of New York State, planted acreage was 

unchanged from last season at 10,600 acres. 

Harvested acreage increased slightly from 

10,100 acres in 2008, to 10,300 acres in 

2009. This was a two percent increase in 

harvested acreage. Yield per acre increased 

slightly this season from 410 cwt per acre in 

2008, to 415 cwt per acre in 2009. This was 

a one percent increase from last season. 

Production in 1,000 cwt in 2008 was 4,141 

compared to 4,275 in 2009. This was a 

three percent increase. 

Harvesting: Initial harvesting of early 

transplanted varieties began in mid-August. 

Most harvesting was complete by midNovember. 

Shipments: The first shipments were 

reported the weekending August 9. March 

was the heaviest month for shipments when 

674 loads were shipped. A total of 4,350 

loads were shipped this season compared to 

3,336 last season, a 23 percent increase! It 

must also be noted that the large increase in 

shipments where in part due to the strong 

market conditions in competing areas that 

allowed growers to market onions that 

would have normally been discarded. The 

last shipments were reported the 

weekending May 1, 2010 when 34 loads 

were shipped. 

Marketing: The first FOB was issued the 

weekending September 5, 2009 when 

Yellow Globe Type 50-pound sacks of 

medium 2 1⁄4 inch minimum sold for $9.00-

11.00 and 2 inch minimum sold for $8.00-

9.00. 16 3-pound mesh sacks medium 2 1⁄4-

inch minimum sold for $11.00-13.00 and 2-

inch minimum sold for $9.50-11.00. Red 

25-pound sacks of jumbos started at $6.50-

7.00 then increased to finish the season at 

$8.00-9.00. Medium Reds started at $5.00-

5.50 and finished at $6.50-7.50. The last 

report was issued the weekending May 1, 

2010 when 50-pound sacks of Yellow 

medium 2 1⁄4-inch minimum were sold for 

$24.00-28.00 and 2-inch minimum were 

sold for $22.00-26.00. 16 3-pound mesh 

sacks of Yellow medium 2 1⁄4-inch minimum 

were sold for $26.00-30.00 and 2-inch 

minimum were sold for $24.00-28.00. 
19 

MARKETING LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS ONIONS

2009 CROP

Acreage & Production: According to the 

National Agricultural Statistics Service, 

Lower Rio Grande Valley acreage for spring 

non-processing onions in 2009 was 8,200 

acres, an eleven percent decrease from the 

2008 acreage of 9,200 acres. Harvested 

acreage in 2009 was 7,100 acres, compared 

to 7,900 acres in 2008. 

Shipments: Fresh shipments from the 

Lower Rio Grande Valley 2009 season 

totaled 7,796 400-cwt units, a seven percent 

increase from the 2008 fresh shipments of 

7,318 400-cwt units. 

Fresh shipments started the weekending 

March 7, 2009 and continued through the 

weekending June 20, 2009. May was the 

peak shipping month with 3,490 400-cwt 

units shipped. 

Fresh market shipments, recorded by the 

Federal-State Market News Service in Idaho 

Falls, Idaho, do not include “known” 

processing shipments (although some 

shipments may end up being processed). 

Growing Conditions: By the end of the 

first week of December 2008 the onions 

were making good progress in South Texas. 

By the weekending January 25, 2009, 

irrigation of onions was active in South 

Texas. Due to cool growing conditions 

during the weekending February 1, onion 

growth was progressing well in South 

Texas. 

By mid-February, preparations were being 

made for harvest in the lower valley. By the 

end of February, onion yields improved after 

producers irrigated their South Texas fields. 

Growers continued to irrigate fields and the 

onions continued to make good progress 

throughout March and April. 

Harvest started the weekending March 7, 

2009 and steadily continued until rain the 

last week of May halted harvest. Harvest 

was generally complete by the end of June, 

2009. 

Marketing: The first report for Yellow 

Grano jumbos in 50-pound sacks was issued 

during the weekending March 28, 2009 at 

$6.00-8.00. The last report was issued 

during the weekending May 30, 2009 at 

$7.00-8.00. 

The first report for Yellow Grano Type – 

Marked Sweet jumbos in 40-pound cartons 

was issued during the weekending March 

31, 2009 at $14.00. The last report was 

issued during the weekending May 30, 2009 

at $9.00. 

The first report for White Type jumbos in 

50-pound sacks was issued during the 

weekending April 4, 2009 at $6.00-7.00. 

The last report was issued during the 

weekending May 23, 2009 at $7.00. 

The first report for Red Globe Type jumbos 

in 25-pound sacks was issued during the 

weekending April 11, 2009 at $6.00. The 

last report was issued during the weekending 

May 30, 2009 at $7.00. 

Packaging: Onion were sized, sorted, 

graded, and packed prior to shipment. 

Yellow and White onions are packed in 50-

pound mesh sacks with some Yellow Grano 

Type also packed in 40-pound cartons. Red 

Globe Type is packaged primarily in 25-

pound sacks. Some onions were also packed 

in 2, 3, 5, and 10-pound consumer mesh 

sacks. 

Transportation: The usual load of onion 

will consist of 800-860 50-pound sacks or 

960-1008 40-pound cartons. 
20 

MARKETING SAN ANTONIO-WINTERGARDEN-LAREDO AREA ONIONS

2009 CROP

Acreage: According to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service, there were 

2,100 acres of onion planted in the San 

Antonio-Winter Garden-Laredo area in 

2009. This was a seventeen percent increase 

from the 2008 acreage of 1,800 acres. 

Harvest acreage in 2009 was 1,800 acres 

compared to the 2008 harvest acreage of 

1,600 acres. 

Growing & Harvesting: Producers in San 

Antonio-Winter Garden-Laredo area were 

preparing land for onions in early October, 

2008 and planting them by mid-October. 

Harvest began the second week of April, 

2009 and ended mid-July. 

 

Shipments: Fresh shipments from the San 

Antonio-Winter Garden-Laredo District 

2009 season totaled 2,501 400-cwt units, a 

ten percent increase from 2008s shipments 

of 2,279 400-cwt units. 

Fresh shipments started the weekending 

April 11, 2009 and continued until the 

weekending July 11, 2009. May was the 

peak shipping month with 1,243 400-cwt 

units shipped. 

Fresh market shipments, recorded by the 

Federal-State Market News Service in Idaho 

Falls, Idaho, do not include “known” 

processing shipments (although some 

shipments may end up being processed). 

The San Antonio-Winter Garden-Laredo 

reporting area includes the following areas: 

Pearsall, Castroville, Devine, Knippa, 

Uvalde, Batesville, Jourdantan, Charlotte, 

Bracketville, La Pryor, Crystal City, Carrizo 

Springs, Qucmado, Eagle Pass, Dilley, and 

Laredo. 

Marketing: The first report of Yellow 

Grano jumbos in 50-pound sacks was issued 

during the weekending May 16, 2009 at 

$8.00. The last report was issued during the 

weekending June 27, 2009 at $16.00-17.00. 

The first report of Yellow Grano – Marked 

Sweet jumbos in 40-pound cartons was 

issued during the weekending May 16, 2009 

at $9.00-10.00. The last report was issued 

June 6, 2009 at $9.00-10.50. 

The first report of White Type jumbos in 50-

pound sacks was issued during the 

weekending May 16, 2009 at $7.00. The 

last report was issued during the weekending 

June 27, 2009 at $10.00. 

The first report of Red Globe Type jumbos 

in 25-pound sacks was issued during the 

weekending May 16, 2009 at $6.00-7.00. 

The last report was issued during the 

weekending June 27, 2009 at $8.00-8.50. 

Packaging: Yellow and White onions are 

packed in 50-pound mesh sacks with some 

Yellow Grano Type also packed in 40-

pound cartons. Red Globe Type is packed 

in 25-pound mesh sacks. 
21 

MARKETING COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON & UMATILLA BASIN OREGON ONIONS

2009 CROP

Production: According to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service, 21,000 acres 

of onions were planted and harvested in 

2009 in the Columbia Basin, a slight 

increase from the 20,000 acres planted and 

harvested in 2008. The yield per acre was 

630 hundredweight (cwt) in 2009, higher 

than the 2008 yield of 600 cwt per acre. 

Production in 2009 was 13,230,000 cwt, a 

ten percent increase from the 2008 

production of 12,000,000 cwt. There is no 

individual production information available 

for the Umatilla Basin Oregon growing area. 

Shipments: Fresh shipments from the 

Columbia Basin Washington 2009 season 

totaled 28,573 400-cwt units, a two percent 

increase from the 2008 shipments of 27,884 

400-cwt units. Fresh shipments from the 

Umatilla Basin Oregon 2009 season totaled 

3,634 400-cwt units, a seventy-six percent 

increase from the 2008 shipments of 2,070 

400-cwt units. 

Fresh shipments of Columbia Basin onions 

started in late June 2009 and continued 

through early June 2010. The peak shipping 

month was September with 3,404 400-cwt 

units shipped. Fresh shipments of Umatilla 

Basin onions started in August 2009 and 

continued through June 2010. The peak 

shipping month was September with 396 

400-cwt units shipped. 

Fresh market shipments, recorded by the 

Federal-State Market News Service in Idaho 

Falls, Idaho, do not include “known” 

processing shipments (although some 

shipments may end up being processed.) 

Growing Conditions: In the Columbia 

Basin, significant rains were received early 

the first week of April but sunshine and 

warm weather was received by the end of 

the week. In mid-April, spring planting was 

nearly done in Franklin County. The cool 

week caused slow emergence and growth in 

all spring planted crops. Temperatures 

during the week were cooler than normal in 

Franklin County. Onions in Klickitat 

County were bulbing up by the end of June. 

Harvest of storage onions was underway in 

Grant County by the weekending July 26. 

 Columbia Basin harvest was generally 

complete by the end of October. 

Planting of the Umatilla Basin onion crop 

was finished by the weekending May 3. It 

had been a cool spring until the last two 

weeks of April. Average temperatures 

arrived and the area received some rain. By 

the weekending May 24 the season had 

warmed up but the crop growth was still 

about two weeks behind normal. Harvest 

began mid-August and was generally 

complete by the end of October. 

Marketing: The first report of 50-pound 

sacks of Yellow Hybrid jumbos was issued 

the weekending July 4, 2009 at $12.00-

15.00. The last report was issued during the 

weekending April 24, 2010 at $42.00-45.00. 

The first report of 40-pound cartons of 

Yellow Hybrid – Marked Sweet jumbos was 

issued the weekending August 15, 2009 at 

$12.00-13.00. The last report was issued 

during the weekending December 19, 2009 

at $10.00. 

The first report of 50-pound sacks of White 

Type jumbos was issued during the 

weekending August 15, 2009 at $11.00-

13.00. The last report was issued during the 

weekending February 13, 2010 at $23.00-

25.00. 

The first report of 25-pound sacks of Red 

Globe Type jumbos was issued during the 

weekending August 15, 2009 at $9.00. The 

last report was issued during the weekending 

April 24, 2010 at $19.00-22.00. 

Packaging: Onions were sized, sorted, 

graded, and packed prior to shipments. The 

Yellow Hybrid jumbo size onion is 

considered to be 3 inches and larger, 

medium size are considered to be 2 1⁄4-3 

inches. 50-pound sacks remain the 

dominant package for Yellow Hybrids and 

Whites and 25-pound sacks remain the 

dominant package for the Red Globe Type. 

Some onions were also packed in 2, 3, 5, 

and 10-pound consumer mesh sacks. 

Onions for offshore export are packed in 20-

kilogram (44-pound) mesh sacks. 

Washington onions are not covered by 

marketing orders or inspection requirements. 
22 

MARKETING THE WALLA WALLA WASHINGTON ONIONS

2009 CROP

Acreage: According to the National 

Agricultural Statistics Service, 2,000 acres 

of Walla Walla and other non-storage onions 

were planted and harvested in 2009, a slight 

increase from the 2008 planted and 

harvested acreage of 1,900 acres. The yield 

per acre in 2009 was 375 hundredweight 

(cwt) per acre, an increase from the 2008 

yield of 360 cwt per acre. Production in 

2009 was 750,000 cwt, a ten percent 

increase from the 2008 production of 

684,000 cwt. 

Shipments: Fresh shipments from the 

Walla Walla District 2009 season were 610 

400-cwt units (56 400-cwt units were 

exports). This was a twelve percent increase 

from the 2008 shipments of 543 400-cwt 

units. July was the peak shipping month 

with shipments of 291 400-cwt units. 

Growing Conditions: The crops in Walla 

Walla looked good during the weekending 

March 22 and soil tests were showing 

excellent soil moisture as far down as six 

feet in many areas of the county. Heavy rain 

showers at the end of the week brought close 

to an inch of precipitation. Most producers 

were anxious to get in to the fields but were 

happy with the rain. 

During the weekending April 5, significant 

rain showers were received early in the 

week, but sunshine and warm weather was 

received by the weekend. The weather was 

warm and calm early in the weekending 

April 26. Later in the week conditions 

turned cool and quite windy. They area 

received no precipitation. 

By the first of May, onion growers needed 

warmer weather to help the onions’ 

progress, although producers did welcome a 

couple heavy rain showers. The next week 

was also cool, windy, and wet. Some areas 

of the county received over an inch of 

rainfall. By mid-May, temperatures started 

warming up. All the crops still had good 

moisture and the warm temperatures really 

gave them a boost. 

Marketing: The first report was released 

during the weekending June 27, 2009 with 

40-pound cartons of Walla Walla Sweet 

jumbos at $15.00-16.00. The last report was 

issued during the weekending August 15, 

2009 at $14.00. 

Packaging: Onions were sized, sorted, and 

packed, prior to shipments. 40-pound 

cartons and 50-pound sacks remain the 

dominant packages. Some onions are also 

packed in consumer and gift packs as well. 
23 

MARKETING MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH SOUTH TEXAS ONIONS

2009 CROP

Crossings: Light crossings through South 

Texas border stations started in early 

September 2009. Imports are gathered by 

APHIS officers and provided to Market 

News on a daily basis. Imports continued to 

enter the United States until June, 2010. 

2009 Mexican crossings through South 

Texas totaled 4,946 400-cwt units. This was 

a fourteen percent decrease from the 2008 

crossings through South Texas of 5,756 400-

cwt units. The peak crossings month was 

March with 1,343 400-cwt units shipped. 

Marketing: The first report on 50-pound 

sacks of Yellow Grano jumbos was issued 

the weekending January 31, 2009 at $8.00. 

The last report was issued the weekending 

April 18, 2009 at $6.00. 

The first report on 40-pound cartons of 

Yellow Grano Type – Marked Sweet jumbos 

was issued the weekending January 24, 2009 

at $24.00. The last report was issued the 

weekending April 18, 2009 at $8.00-9.00. 

The first report of 50-pound sacks of White 

Type jumbos was issued the weekending 

January 24, 2009 at $10.00-12.00. The last 

report was issued the weekending April 18, 

2009 at $5.00-6.00. 

The first report on 25-pound sacks of Red 

Globe Type jumbos was issued the 

weekending February 28, 2009 at $8.00-

9.00. The last report was issued the 

weekending April 18, 2009 at $5.00-6.00. 

Packaging: Yellow and White onions were 

packed in 50-pound mesh sacks. The 

Yellow Grano Type – Marked Sweet were 

packed in 40-pound cartons. Red Globe 

Type is packed in 25-pound sacks. 
24 

MARKETING PERU ONIONS

2009 CROP

Shipments: Limited boat arrivals in 

containers began coming into various East 

Coast ports in with light truck shipments 

beginning the middle of August. The 

number of exporters remained limited 

throughout August. 

Imports arrived at many different ports 

including: Miami, FL, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 

Savannah, GA, Charleston, SC, Houston, 

TX, and Newark, NJ. 

Movement from U.S. inland packing sheds 

or ports is as reported by the Market News 

Service, it is not U.S. Commerce Data. 

Fresh onion shipments from Peru for the 

2009 crop totaled 2,748 400-cwt units. This 

was a twenty-five percent increase from the 

2008 shipments of 2,203 400-cwt units. The 

peak shipping month was October with 509 

400-cwt units shipped. 

Marketing: The first report on a 40-pound 

carton of Yellow Granex – Marked Sweet 

jumbo that was repacked at various East 

Coast Shipping Points was issued the 

weekending August 29, 2009 at $20.00-

22.00. The last report was issued the 

weekending February 13, 2010 at $16.00. 

Packaging: Most importers shipped the 

onions in bulk containers and packed the 

onions in the United States. A few onions 

were sized, graded, stickered and boxed 

prior to shipments from Peru. Jumbo and 

colossal onions were both primarily packed 

in 40-pound cartons. 
Sum of 40000lb units Column LabelsRow Labels Mar-09 Apr-09 May-09 Jun-09 Jul-09 Aug-09 Sep-09 Oct-09 Nov-09 Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb-10 ARGENTINA 3 ARIZONA 414 417 112 CALIFORNIA-CENTRAL 20 6 120 2540 3926 2143 181 102 86 73 48 CALIFORNIA-IMPERIAL VAL 235 1953 110 CALIFORNIA-SOUTH 178 54 504 388 425 319 268 366 137 CANADA 15 11 9 9 16 95 206 137 75 30 106 116 CHILE 25 1 18 321 181 CHINA 1 4 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 COLOMBIA 1 1 1 1 COLORADO 11 21 1120 949 906 1016 911 789 335 COSTA RICA 0 ECUADOR 1 3 1 FRANCE 2 0 1 2 1 4 1 GEORGIA 605 1483 1254 808 318 14 GUATEMALA 6 3 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 HONDURAS 1 IDAHO 1399 366 43 0 379 1452 1593 1235 1616 1524 1505 INDIA 1 ISRAEL 0 0 0 0 0 0 ITALY 1 MEXICO 2206 1089 1104 617 192 73 23 10 14 23 317 486 MICHIGAN 112 202 254 368 313 312 244 NETHERLANDS 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 NEW MEXICO 67 2683 2913 895 31 NEW YORK 467 269 87 381 661 832 816 783 598 NEW ZEALAND NICARAGUA 1 OREGON 1773 482 87 4 764 2116 2058 1647 1734 1944 1837 PERU 95 340 466 559 606 527 149 SPAIN 2 1 2 TEXAS 727 4456 3979 1129 51 UTAH 22 71 301 353 273 300 176 WASHINGTON 2538 1802 1009 490 995 2235 3423 3409 3132 3392 3637 3428 WISCONSIN 80 28 2 95 361 238 221 303 203 Grand Total 9588 9411 10276 9258 9039 8718 9883 10690 9883 10301 11282 9400 
26 

Commodity Name ONIONS-PROCESSED

Season 2009

Sum of 40000lb units Column Labels

Row Labels EASTERN U.S. DISTRICT WESTERN U.S. DISTRICT Grand Total

Jan-09 1764 1764

Feb-09 1521 1521

Mar-09 1511 1511

Apr-09 14 1526 1540

May-09 107 1660 1767

Jun-09 69 1698 1767

Jul-09 46 1604 1650

Aug-09 119 1372 1491

Sep-09 130 638 768

Oct-09 147 1475 1622

Nov-09 121 1291 1412

Dec-09 125 1280 1405

Grand Total 878 17340 18218
27 

Commodity Name ONIONS DRY

Season 2009

City Name IDAHO AND MALHEUR COUNTY, OREGON

Variety YELLOW

Sub Variety SPANISH HYBRID

Grade U.S. One

Package 50 lb sacks

col jbo med Super Col

Row Labels Low Price High Price Low Price High Price Low Price High Price Low Price High Price

8/22/2009 $11.00 $11.00 $9.00 $9.00 $8.00 $9.00 $14.00 $15.00

8/29/2009 $10.00 $11.00 $8.00 $9.00 $7.00 $9.00 $13.00 $15.00

9/5/2009 $9.00 $10.00 $7.50 $8.00 $7.00 $7.00 $13.00 $14.00

9/12/2009 $9.00 $9.00 $7.00 $7.50 $6.00 $7.00 $12.00 $13.00

9/19/2009 $8.00 $9.00 $6.50 $6.50 $6.00 $6.00 $11.00 $13.00

9/26/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $5.50 $6.00 $5.50 $6.00 $9.00 $12.00

10/3/2009 $6.00 $7.00 $5.50 $5.50 $5.00 $5.50 $9.00 $10.00

10/10/2009 $6.00 $7.00 $5.50 $5.50 $5.00 $5.50 $9.00 $10.00

10/17/2009 $6.00 $6.50 $5.50 $5.75 $5.00 $5.50 $8.00 $9.00

10/24/2009 $6.00 $7.00 $5.50 $5.50 $5.00 $5.50 $8.00 $9.00

10/31/2009 $6.00 $7.00 $5.50 $6.00 $5.00 $5.50 $8.00 $9.00

11/7/2009 $6.50 $6.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.00 $5.50 $8.00 $9.00

11/14/2009 $6.00 $6.50 $5.50 $5.50 $5.00 $5.50 $8.00 $8.00

11/21/2009 $6.00 $6.50 $5.00 $5.50 $5.00 $5.50 $8.00 $8.00

11/28/2009 $6.00 $6.00 $5.25 $5.50 $5.00 $5.50 $8.00 $8.00

12/5/2009 $6.00 $6.00 $5.25 $5.50 $5.00 $5.00 $7.50 $7.50

12/12/2009 $6.00 $6.00 $5.00 $5.50 $5.00 $5.00 $7.50 $7.50

12/19/2009 $6.00 $6.00 $5.00 $5.50 $5.00 $5.00 $7.50 $7.50

12/26/2009 $6.00 $6.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $7.50 $7.50

1/2/2010 $6.00 $6.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $7.50 $7.50

1/9/2010 $6.00 $6.50 $5.50 $6.00 $5.00 $5.50 $7.50 $8.00

1/16/2010 $7.00 $9.00 $6.00 $9.00 $5.50 $8.00 $8.00 $9.50

1/23/2010 $10.00 $10.50 $8.00 $10.00 $8.00 $9.00 $11.00 $11.00

1/30/2010 $10.00 $10.50 $9.00 $9.50 $8.00 $9.00 $11.00 $11.00

2/6/2010 $9.00 $10.00 $8.50 $9.00 $8.00 $8.50 $10.00 $11.00

2/13/2010 $9.00 $9.00 $8.00 $8.50 $8.00 $8.50 $10.00 $10.00

2/20/2010 $9.50 $13.00 $9.00 $12.00 $9.00 $12.00 $11.00 $14.00

2/27/2010 $13.00 $18.00 $13.00 $18.00 $13.00 $18.00 $14.00 $19.00

3/6/2010 $21.00 $23.00 $20.00 $22.00 $20.00 $22.00 $22.00 $24.00

3/13/2010 $24.00 $26.00 $23.00 $25.00 $23.00 $25.00 $25.00 $27.00

3/20/2010 $26.00 $27.00 $26.00 $27.00 $26.00 $27.00 $27.00 $28.00

3/27/2010 $26.00 $27.00 $26.00 $27.00 $24.00 $27.00 $27.00 $28.00

4/3/2010 $25.00 $27.00 $24.00 $26.00 $23.00 $25.00 $26.00 $28.00

4/10/2010 $25.00 $31.00 $24.00 $30.00 $22.00 $26.00 $26.00 $32.00

4/17/2010 $33.00 $41.00 $33.00 $45.00 $30.00 $38.00 $35.00 $42.00

4/24/2010 $45.00 $46.00 $45.00 $45.00 $35.00 $42.00 $45.00 $48.00
28 

Commodity Name ONIONS DRY

Season 2009

City Name IDAHO AND MALHEUR COUNTY, OREGON

Variety WHITE

Grade U.S. One

Package 50 lb sacks

lge med

Row Labels Low Price High Price Low Price High Price

8/29/2009 $10.00 $12.00 $9.00 $10.00

9/5/2009 $10.00 $12.00 $8.00 $10.00

9/12/2009 $9.00 $10.00 $8.00 $9.00

9/19/2009 $8.00 $10.00 $8.00 $9.00

9/26/2009 $8.00 $8.00 $7.00 $8.00

10/3/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $7.00 $8.00

10/10/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $7.00 $8.00

10/17/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $7.00 $8.00

10/24/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $7.00 $8.00

10/31/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $7.00 $7.00

11/7/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $7.00 $7.00

11/14/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $7.00 $7.00

11/21/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $7.00 $7.00

11/28/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $7.00 $7.00

12/5/2009 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00

12/12/2009 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00

12/19/2009 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00

12/26/2009 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00 $7.00

1/2/2010 $7.00 $8.00 $7.00 $8.00

1/9/2010 $8.00 $15.00 $8.00 $15.00

1/16/2010 $16.00 $30.00 $16.00 $30.00

1/23/2010 $26.00 $30.00 $26.00 $30.00

1/30/2010 $25.00 $30.00 $24.00 $30.00

2/6/2010 $25.00 $28.00 $24.00 $28.00
29 

Commodity Name ONIONS DRY

Season 2009

City Name IDAHO AND MALHEUR COUNTY, OREGON

Variety RED

Sub Variety GLOBE TYPE

Grade U.S. One

Package 25 lb sacks

lge med

Row Labels Low Price High Price Low Price High Price

8/22/2009 $9.00 $11.00 $7.00 $7.00

8/29/2009 $9.00 $10.00 $6.00 $7.00

9/5/2009 $9.00 $9.00 $6.00 $7.00

9/12/2009 $9.00 $9.00 $6.00 $6.00

9/19/2009 $9.00 $9.00 $6.00 $6.00

9/26/2009 $8.00 $8.00 $5.00 $6.00

10/3/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $5.00 $6.00

10/10/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $5.00 $6.00

10/17/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $5.00 $6.00

10/24/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $5.00 $6.00

10/31/2009 $7.00 $7.00 $5.00 $6.00

11/7/2009 $7.00 $8.00 $5.00 $5.00

11/14/2009 $7.00 $7.50 $5.00 $5.00

11/21/2009 $7.00 $7.50 $5.00 $5.00

11/28/2009 $7.00 $7.50 $5.00 $5.00

12/5/2009 $7.00 $7.00 $5.00 $5.00

12/12/2009 $7.00 $7.00 $5.00 $5.00

12/19/2009 $7.00 $7.00 $5.00 $5.00

12/26/2009 $7.00 $7.00 $5.00 $5.00

1/2/2010 $7.00 $7.00 $5.00 $5.00

1/9/2010 $7.00 $7.00 $5.00 $5.50

1/16/2010 $7.00 $8.00 $5.50 $6.00

1/23/2010 $7.00 $8.00 $6.00 $6.00

1/30/2010 $7.00 $8.00 $6.00 $7.00

2/6/2010 $7.00 $8.00 $6.00 $6.00

2/13/2010 $7.00 $8.00 $6.00 $6.00

2/20/2010 $8.00 $8.00 $6.00 $7.00

2/27/2010 $8.00 $9.00 $6.00 $9.00

3/6/2010 $10.00 $13.00 $8.00 $13.00

3/13/2010 $13.00 $15.00 $13.00 $15.00

3/20/2010 $15.00 $16.00 $15.00 $16.00

3/27/2010 $16.00 $18.00 $16.00 $18.00

4/3/2010 $18.00 $20.00 $18.00 $20.00

4/10/2010 $19.00 $20.00 $19.00 $20.00

4/17/2010 $20.00 $25.00 $20.00 $24.00

4/24/2010 $23.00 $26.00 $23.00 $25.00