Some carrot growers in California's Central Valley had a few production hiccups this season, though the cumulative of effect of those issues hasn't been especially significant. Production in the Imperial Valley is ramping up, and the market remains steady.
“Supplies are not bad,” said Chris Smotherman of Kern Ridge Growers. “Rain delayed us by a day or two earlier in the season, but it wasn't anything significant.” Prices firmed up this year as some marketers were light with supplies due to less-than-stellar yields. Growers near Bakersfield who saw lower yields switched over to the Imperial Valley earlier than usual, and Smotherman believes that could also be a reason for firm prices.
“Yields were off a little in Arvin, but it was nothing catastrophic,” said Smotherman. “We just had some odd weather patterns with fluctuating temperatures and a little rain.”
On April 6, prices for a sack of 48 one-pound film bags with medium and large carrots from California's Kern District were between $15.00 and $18.50. Prices for a 50-pound sack of loose jumbos were between $18.50 and $22.40.
For more information:
Chris Smotherman
Kern Ridge Growers
+1 661 854 3156