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VEGETABLES

Released October 4, 2004

Seasonal

No. 984-5-04

NEW YORK ONION PRODUCTION UP 26 PERCENT

 New York’s onion crop for 2004 is forecast at 4.8 million hundredweight (cwt.), up 26 percent from last year’s crop of 3.8 million cwt., according to Steve Ropel, Director of USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, New York Office. Onions received enough summer rainfall that irrigation was not needed. In mid-August, however, a hail storm damaged acreage in Orange County, the largest onion producing area in the State. It is too early to determine the extent of the damage. Early September brought 4 to 5 inches of rainfall to the area as the remnants of Hurricane Ivan passed over New York. Despite the rain and hail, growers are expecting high yields and growers in the northern regions report this year's crop as the best ever.   If realized, the expected yield of 400 cwt. per acre would be the highest since 1954.

SUMMER STORAGE ONION PRODUCTION UP 11 PERCENT

 U.S. summer storage onion production is forecast at 54.9 million hundredweight (cwt), up 11 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 109,250 acres, up 2 percent from 2003. The yield is up 42 cwt from last year at 503 cwt per acre. The California crop was planted with no major problems reported. Ideal growing conditions persisted throughout the season with light insect and disease pressure. Quality and yield were very good this year. Weather in the Colorado onion growing areas has been ideal. Yield has hit a record high this year due to adequate irrigation water and minimal hail. In Idaho, onion harvest is progressing ahead of schedule. Yield is up 100 cwt from last year due to timely rains and relatively disease free fields. Bulb size is above average. Michigan's onion growers expect lower yields from this year's crop. The downy mildew problems of last year persisted via overwintered spores which thrived in the wet and cold conditions of this past spring in Michigan. However, preventative fungicide sprays limited the disease for some growers. Minnesota harvest is expected to begin around October 7 for acreage that has not been damaged or submerged by heavy rains. Ohio growers have experienced above average precipitation and temperatures close to normal. Growers report the increased rainfall has benefited this year's crop. Oregon's harvest is in full swing and should finish by October 8 in Malheur County. Harvest ended about September 26 in all other counties in the State. Reservoir levels have been adequate throughout the growing season. Rainfall during the week of September 19 slowed onion harvest but was otherwise welcomed by growers. In Utah, water shortages are a continuing problem as the State suffers through the sixth year of drought. Growers have reduced acreage due to the water shortage. Bulb sizes range from good to smaller than normal. Washington onion growers are still harvesting. There were some occurrences of Iris Yellow Spot Virus and powdery mildew, however, this did not lower yield expectations. Wisconsin growers expect lower yields due to excessive moisture early in the season. Some acreage was flooded and downy mildew has been reported due to the cool and wet conditions during development.

ONIONS: Area Harvested, Yield, and Production by Season,

State, and United States, 2002-2003 and Forecasted 2004

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