Following last year's bumper crop of Vidalia onions from Georgia, this year's sweet onion crop looks almost as strong. "Last year we had an extraordinary crop across the industry. If it was a 10 last year, this year is probably an eight," says John Williams, director of sales and marketing of LG Herndon Jr Farms.
Jason Herndon (left), CEO and Bo Herndon, founder of Herndon Farms amongst a field of Vidalia onions.
This even though the crop went through some challenges in the growing season. First came Hurricane Helene when the onions were in seed beds in the fall. Then there was snow earlier this year. However, plenty of cold nights also offered good chill hours–something Vidalia sweet onions need in January and February especially.
In all, this is leaving the crop with little disease pressure this season. "In the last week or so we've had some really nice weather for harvesting. Our region can get rain and that can cause staining and we haven't had any of that," says Williams.
Harvest timing
As for the timing of the season, the season started virtually the same time two days earlier this year. Harvesting will last for about five weeks–after that, growers are concerned about potential rains.
What about demand? Different things can factor into demand–the supply of yellow onions for example, or what's coming out of Mexico and different parts of the U.S. "There seems to be ample supply of other types of onions in the country, though we have had a good first week that was very similar to last year's first week," he says.
Vidalia onion harvesting will last about five weeks.
That said, the market is down a bit on Vidalia onions, as it is on many commodities. "We have seen excitement from retailers to promote Vidalia onions as we get into the later spring and summer," says Williams. "I think we'll have a steady market with things maybe strengthening a bit in late May or June."
For more information:
John Williams
LG Herndon Jr Farms
Tel: +1 (912) 565-7640
[email protected]
https://vidaliasfinest.com/