California oranges will start slightly late this year. “It’s probably going to be about the first of November to the 10th for most people and we plan on November 6th for our start date,” says Derek Vaughn of Johnston Farms.
At this point, the crop is seeing some better sizing than normal. Usually, Vaughn says it’s peaking on 113s and 138s and right now he’s seeing 88s, 113s and a few 72s. “So it’s pretty much the same volume as last year but the sizing seems to be a bit better,” he says. “I also think there’s going to be a little more choice fruit coming into the market with the wet winter we had last year. Overall I think it will lead to a strong fancy market.”
He’s also feeling positive about demand for the coming season. “The end of the Valencia market held up pretty well and that came to a pretty quick end so I think people are anxious to get started on California navels,” says Vaughn.
Stronger pricing?
That means that starting off, pricing will likely be a bit better than normal--some of the quotes in the marketplace right now are on the higher end, in the range of $30 and above--and it’s a number that’s not likely to come off a significant amount before everyone gets started.
Later in the month around Thanksgiving, Johnston Farms will also begin with its mandarin crop and that picture is very different from oranges this year. “It will be about half the crop--it’s way off,” says Vaughn. “The Satsumas are alternate bearing and last year was a pretty heavy year so this year is lighter. Those will go from right around late November to the end of January.”
Not surprisingly, demand will likely exceed supply on mandarins, meaning pricing should go up about five percent on the fruit.
For more information:
Derek Vaughn
Johnston Farms
Tel: +1 (661) 366-3201
[email protected]
www.johnstonfarms.com