Terrain’s Post

Retired fruit growers frequently respond to American Fruit Grower's annual State of the Industry survey, the results of which comprise this issue. This year, upon dedicating a section of the survey to this demographic, we heard from nearly three dozen retirees. While their thoughts are more simple than extraordinary, they are valuable reminders to current growers to sit back and make the most of the moment. https://lnkd.in/ePr_883m Is there any more advice you would add to this list? Check it out. #agriculture #fruit #industrytrends #feedback #experience #retired #advice #teachablemoments

🥑 With cartels tightening their grip on Mexico's avocado industry, the US markets must explore new options. 📈 Due to their frost sensitivity, the only economically viable place to grow domestic avocados in the USA is coastal California. In 1988, CA peaked at over 76,000 acres of avocado orchards, now reduced to under 50,000 due to strong competition against cheaper Mexican avocados. 🌟 CA avocados isi are globally renowned for their quality, higher oil content, and superior taste, thanks to 18-month haning on the trees versus Mexico's 10-12 months. 🚨 Cartel issues persist, and US authorities are stricter to ensure safe produce. This season, CA avocado prices -back to farm- soared well over $2/lb, presenting a unique expansion opportunity. #Avocado #Agriculture #California #USAvocados #Farming #Avocado #Agriculture #California #USAvocados #Farming #AgTech #SustainableFarming #FarmToTable #AvocadoLovers #GrowLocal #Avolution #ventura

📈 Market prices will go up and down, and up and down again... 🌦️ These fluctuations are influenced by variables beyond farmers' control. The best counter for market fluctuations is consistent high yields. 🌱 🔄 Fortunately, there are many variables that farmers can manage to impact yields. Consistently revise your agronomic strategies and monitor key parameters on the farm like soil water movement, plant stress, salinity, pest and disease presence, phenologically based nutritional programs, boron levels and the list goes on... 🔍 Stay proactive, stay curious, and stay passionate. Results will come! #Farming #Agriculture #AgTech #FarmManagement #CropScience #SustainableFarming #SoilHealth #PestControl #HighYields #FarmToTable

Total volume of avocados in the US (arrivals/imports + California harvest) up to Week 26 is expected to be roughly the same as last year’s volume. Assuming slightly higher demand, retail prices should also be slightly higher. This year Peru avocado shipping point prices to the US are 10-25% higher. The result is that Peru may not be able to move as much volume over time as it did last year. The lower rate is evident in the fewer tons of avocados shipped from Peru to the US compared to tons shipped last year. After Week 26, total volume in the US is projected to drop and retail prices should rise. Peru can then ship at a higher price to the US. However, exporters should not set the price too high or else they may not be able to move all of their fruit to market in time. Overall, Peru is harvesting a lower volume of avocados after production was disrupted by El Niño and has fewer boxes to ship this year. Are you interested in market updates on avocados and other crops? Please follow the link below to join our mailing list! http://eepurl.com/gaXLkr

Tomato Market Alert: 8.8.2024 The tomato market has been unstable since the beginning of the year; some of this due to a reduction in acreage planted, but most is due to the persistent pressure of Mother Nature. We are now facing some trying times over the next month and possibly beyond. California has been impacted by multiple weeks of extreme heat which has caused several growers to curtail their harvest due to high losses and poor production yields. In the east, consistent precipitation and heat pressure have impacted quality leaving us reliant on Mexico for a majority of the production. To further complicate this, we continue to track Tropical Storm Debbie which has impacted multiple agriculture regions along the eastern seaboard as it tracks north. We will assess these impacts as regions recover and provide any pertinent updates. Unfortunately, there is not enough supply on round tomatoes to keep the supply chain consistent. We are doing our very best to maintain supply, but are seeing some short falls. We will need to be flexible on size as well as varieties. Substitutions to Roma tomatoes are the primary options where feasible. We are doing our best to avoid this, but unfortunately, we feel it’s necessary to start making the change. We are working closely with all of our tomato partners to secure the right fruit as far as quality and spec and will keep you informed of any changes as needed. We thank you for your patience during these unforeseen events.

Tomato Market Alert: 8.8.2024 The tomato market has been unstable since the beginning of the year; some of this due to a reduction in acreage planted, but most is due to the persistent pressure of Mother Nature. We are now facing some trying times over the next month and possibly beyond. California has been impacted by multiple weeks of extreme heat which has caused several growers to curtail their harvest due to high losses and poor production yields. In the east, consistent precipitation and heat pressure have impacted quality leaving us reliant on Mexico for a majority of the production. To further complicate this, we continue to track Tropical Storm Debbie which has impacted multiple agriculture regions along the eastern seaboard as it tracks north. We will assess these impacts as regions recover and provide any pertinent updates. Unfortunately, there is not enough supply on round tomatoes to keep the supply chain consistent. We are doing our very best to maintain supply, but are seeing some short falls. We will need to be flexible on size as well as varieties. Substitutions to Roma tomatoes are the primary options where feasible. We are doing our best to avoid this, but unfortunately, we feel it’s necessary to start making the change. We are working closely with all of our tomato partners to secure the right fruit as far as quality and spec and will keep you informed of any changes as needed. We thank you for your patience during these unforeseen events.

Tomato Market Alert: 8.8.2024 The tomato market has been unstable since the beginning of the year; some of this due to a reduction in acreage planted, but most is due to the persistent pressure of Mother Nature. We are now facing some trying times over the next month and possibly beyond. California has been impacted by multiple weeks of extreme heat which has caused several growers to curtail their harvest due to high losses and poor production yields. In the east, consistent precipitation and heat pressure have impacted quality leaving us reliant on Mexico for a majority of the production. To further complicate this, we continue to track Tropical Storm Debbie which has impacted multiple agriculture regions along the eastern seaboard as it tracks north. We will assess these impacts as regions recover and provide any pertinent updates. Unfortunately, there is not enough supply on round tomatoes to keep the supply chain consistent. We are doing our very best to maintain supply, but are seeing some short falls. We will need to be flexible on size as well as varieties. Substitutions to Roma tomatoes are the primary options where feasible. We are doing our best to avoid this, but unfortunately, we feel it’s necessary to start making the change. We are working closely with all of our tomato partners to secure the right fruit as far as quality and spec and will keep you informed of any changes as needed. We thank you for your patience during these unforeseen events.

🇦🇷🫐 Argentine Blueberry Season: “Normal” Despite Severe Frosts ❄️ Despite facing a harsh winter with temperatures at a 60-year low, Argentina's blueberry season is proceeding as expected. The Argentine Blueberry Committee (ABC) forecasts production volumes similar to last year, with 14,000-15,000 tons anticipated. ABC Secretary Jorge Pazos notes a possible 5-10% drop in early variety production but emphasizes that 90% of regions have frost protection systems. Despite inevitable frost damage, the season is on track with fruit available in the domestic market and strong export prospects. 🌎✈️ #Blueberries #Argentina #Agriculture #FrostProtection #FreshFruit https://lnkd.in/egbmy2BU

(USA 12.07.24) #tablegrapes California Grape Industry Rebounds After Last Season’s Weather Challenges [AG: The Call for an Australian Fresh Produce Data Platform - An Unmet Need] California grape industry rebounds with larger, higher-quality crop expected after last season's weather challenges. Later start anticipated, but volumes may reach 95 million boxes. Industry optimistic despite inflation and labor issues, projecting strong demand and pricing. ----- [AG: As Australian growers, we are part of a vibrant, diverse and crucial industry of our economy - the fresh produce industry. We are proud of our work, producing high-quality fruits, vegetables and other crops that feed our nation. However, to continue thriving and growing, we need access to comprehensive, up-to-date market information. Internationally, there are several platforms providing this vital service. Agronometrics agronometrics.com, for example, offers a wealth of data on fresh produce markets, including pricing, volumes and trends. It's a trusted tool for growers, marketers and purchasers alike, providing a clear picture of the industry landscape. Similarly, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a dedicated section for pricing and market data https://lnkd.in/emVHv6tJ , as well as a specific market news platform https://lnkd.in/d7xDDiuX , as well as a specific National Agricultural Statistics platform https://www.nass.usda.gov These resources offer extensive, regularly updated information on a wide range of agricultural commodities. ProduceIQ produceiq.com is another excellent example. It's a platform that provides fresh produce industry insights, analysis and pricing information. It's a valuable tool for those involved in the industry, from growers and distributors to retailers and food service providers. These platforms are not just informative; they're freely accessible. They offer user-friendly interfaces and even smartphone applications, making it easy for anyone involved in the industry to stay informed, no matter where they are. So, the question arises: why doesn't Australia have a similar platform? Our fresh produce industry is dynamic and diverse, and it deserves an equally dynamic and diverse platform to support it. Such a platform would empower growers and other industry stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions. It would promote transparency, encourage competition and ultimately, lead to a stronger, more resilient industry. As Australian growers, we call upon our industry leaders and relevant government bodies to recognise this need. Let's work together to create a platform that serves our industry, supports our growers and strengthens our agricultural future.] ----- https://lnkd.in/g8pu8Bxb

Many of us have concerns about the economy. So we plan and budget accordingly, and look for ways to save. Here’s a suggestion: add a Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System to your current air blast sprayer. You’ll immediately cut your chemical costs by an average of 50% and you won’t be buying a new sprayer to do it. That’s because the Smart Apply System is a kit that can be added to virtually any air blast, over-the-row and GUSS sprayer. We even had one grower add a Smart Apply to a 50-year-old sprayer and it worked just fine. If you’d like to learn more, visit https://smartapply.com or talk to an authorized Smart Apply dealer. Find one near you here: https://lnkd.in/gAee_nkH Washington Apple Commission Washington Fruit Growers Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission Stemilt Growers Blue Diamond Growers Chelan Fresh Yakima Chief Hops Michigan Apple Committee New York Apple Assn JSS Almonds CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ALMOND GROWERS ASSOCIATION Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance California Association of Winegrape Growers Ontario Apple Growers Florida's Natural Growers Florida Department of Citrus IMG Citrus Georgia Pecan Growers Association Georgia Pecan Farms South Georgia Pecan Company Stahmanns Pecans Alabama Pecan Growers Association SOUTHEASTERN PECAN GROWERS ASSOCIATION INC