Gray skies and wet weather are wreaking havoc on Florida’s sweet corn market this winter, as supplies are down to roughly half of their typical winter volumes.
“There’s a very light volume on sweet corn,” says Geoff Taft, of Pioneer Growers Cooperative, a coalition of family-owned sweet corn farms with headquarters in Belle Glade, FL. Taft estimates that volumes are “somewhere around 50% down” compared against typical January levels. According to Taft, overcast cloud patterns and heavy rains have resulted in delayed, depressed yields, particularly in the Homestead area.
“When our Homestead guys were supposed to get started, they [were] delayed due to weather,” says Taft. Taft adds that low crop quality has caused many growers to discard large portions of their harvests, further depressing supply levels.
Prices, in response, are higher than usual. “The corn market right now is basically $20.95 across the board,” says Taft, referring to the price point for a 48 ear crate. “Normally, during this time of year you’re looking at prices in the teens,” he adds, noting that a $14.00 or $16.00 price point would be typical of January.
Taft and other Florida growers are hopeful that supplies will rebound slightly over the coming weeks. According to Taft, his cooperative’s largest Homestead-based supplier expects to be back on track within a matter of days. “He should get back into steady volumes starting Monday.”
Pioneer Growers Cooperative will be at the Southern Exposure show from March 3 to 5 in Hollywood, FL, where they will be showcasing their Green Giant fresh tray packaged sweet corn.
Please visit us at booth 1316 at Southern Exposure.
For more information:
Geoff Taft
Pioneer Growers Cooperative
Tel: +1 (561) 996-5211
+1 (561) 996-5211
+1 (561) 996-5211