The yield is forecast at a record tying high due to moderate summer conditions. Dry conditions in New York did not necessarily hurt onion yields. Recent rainfall should help size onions and improve conditions. Harvest is to start about a week later than usual due to a wet, cool spring. Overabundance of precipitation in July and August resulted in disease problems for the Colorado crop.
Producers expect a lower than average yield.
The weather in Eastern Oregon was cooler during the summer than last year. Although the weather has not been unfavorable for onions, the cooler temperatures could bring lower yields than in 1996. Western Oregon had a hot, dry summer, which could produce higher yields than in 1996. Washington onions are in good condition and an excellent harvest is in progress. Size is larger than normal.