Volumes of asparagus out of Michigan have picked up after an unusual start to the season. After warm weather in March pushed the crop out early and freezes in May caused losses, supplies are up and prices are strong.Growers reported an early crop as a result of warm weather in March. The unusual timing made for a rocky start to the season, according to Dan Mol of Mol Produce Company, one of the largest shippers of fresh asparagus in the Midwest. The abnormal start was then followed by cold weather in April and early May, further complicating the season.
“There were freezes in early May,” he said, “which resulted in losses of about 10 percent.” But growers have put those losses behind them as production has picked up.
“We have record volumes,” he added.
Part of the reason for recent good production has been the weather, which has also resulted in good quality. Highs in the 70's and lows in the 50's and 60's have greatly benefited this year's crop, said John Bakker, executive director of the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board.
“Warm days and cool nights have made for some of the best quality I've ever seen,” he said.
But even with increased production, demand has been strong due to light supplies in the western U.S. Consequently, current supplies have not been able to meet all demand, so prices have remained strong.
“Demand exceeds supply right now,” said Mol. He added that typical prices they've encountered for a 28-pound carton has been in the mid 50's. According to the USDA, prices for a 28-pound carton from Michigan were between $62 and $65 on May 17.
So with good weather, good production, strong demand and favorable prices, Michigan growers are enjoying a good market.
“We're experiencing peak tonnage,” said Mol, “quality is excellent and prices are extremely good.”