“Our supply of squash has been strong, even with the high temperatures we’re dealing with,” says Troy Bennett of Veggifruit. “Normally, we have temps in the mid-70s and low 80s. For the past two weeks, we’re seeing temperatures closer to the upper 90s, which stresses the plants and growing squash. When those temps get that high, we see the result just a few days later, with smaller squash and a lower volume,” continued Bennett. Spotty rain has also been an issue for the farm, leading the grower to irrigate its fields to keep the vegetable growing normally. This has been the biggest challenge for the farm to deal with currently. “It’s just a matter of dealing with the heat. Hopefully, after this weekend, we’ll see our temperatures falling,” said Bennett.“We get a lot of our squash from the Grand Rapids area, the entire southwest part of Michigan and up into the northwest area of Indiana,” Bennett shared. “Our competition comes from New Jersey, Tennessee, California and Canada. Canada’s squash production is normally very strong as well, but the farms in Canada have also been affected by this high heat,” said Bennett.
Pricing has been good. “They’ve been acceptable, with a case of zucchini selling for $10.85 and a case of larger squash selling for $8.85,” Bennett said. “As far as supply goes, we’ve already peaked for this year. From this point until the harvest season ends, our supply will get smaller and smaller.”
Veggifruit’s demand comes mainly from the Midwest, although several southern states also buy Michigan squash. “We get a lot of local trade, such as Chicago, Grand Rapids and Detroit. We also sell in Austin, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and through many of the southern states,” said Bennett. In September, Tennessee will become active with squash harvest, then in October, Georgia will begin producing.”
Contact:
Troy Bennett
Veggifruit, Inc.
Tel: 269-468-4435