Idaho and Oregon asparagus is about five weeks into harvest with good volume for the last two weeks. Growers with a more close-knit distribution are more able to fetch higher prices.
The early part of asparagus season was significantly impacted by exports and an overabundance in Mexican growing regions. “It’s spilled over and has had significant implications for California and their growing season,” says Shay Meyers of Owyhee Produce. California had been packing at reduced volume and dealing with extremely low prices: below $10 (per 28# box) in some cases according to Myers, “which is significantly below the cost of production. Fortunately, a lot of our sales are regional so there’s demand for local and we were able to keep ourselves separated from that to some extent.”
Strauss sorting line
Owyhee is now operating in its second official year with the Strauss sorting line for asparagus. The addition of a robotic banding machine has helped reduce man-hours. Myers insists on demanding a higher price for asparagus. “Just based on our costs as long as we’re in and participating in the market we have no choice but to demand a significant premium.” It will be marketed in the $48-$58 (per 28# box) range. The weather has been cooperating for the most part. Myers said the season was a little slow starting but the recent weather “is just about perfect and has been for about the last 10 days.”
For more information:
Shay Myers
Owyhee Produce
Ph: 1-541-610-0410