Spokane Produce

July 29, 2026

Market News

The onion market is on fire as California and New Mexico work through
a difficult summer crop. California is dealing with lower acreage and
high heat, while New Mexico is battling seeder issues that are limiting
pack-outs and usable supply. Markets are expected to remain elevated
as the Northwest is running behind schedule and is not ready to bring
full relief yet.
Washington, Idaho, and Eastern Oregon should begin with new crop
yellow onions first, followed by reds by the second week of August.
Better supplies are expected by the end of August once the Northwest
has more volume and the crop has time to cure. That curing time
matters. Fresh-run onions can show lighter skins and a rougher finish
early, but once those Northwest onions settle in, we should start to see
stronger skins, better color, and those golden husks everyone likes to
see.
Potatoes are also moving into transition. Idaho has started harvesting
new crop yellow potatoes, which should bring some much-needed
relief to the colored potato market. Reds should follow shortly after,
with new crop russets right behind them. The timing is encouraging,
but we are still working through the final stretch of the old crop
Burbank supply, and those potatoes are starting to show their age.
Pressure bruising is becoming more prevalent as the Burbank crop
reaches the end of its season. Pack-outs are becoming more difficult,
and quality will need to be managed closely until new crop russets are
fully available. Early test digs on new crop potatoes suggest the crop
will peak closer to 80-count sizing, which should help bring better
availability on the larger profile once volume builds.
New crop Norkotahs will bring welcome relief, but they will also come
with typical early-season handling considerations. Fresh-run potatoes
can retain field heat and carry excess moisture until they have time to
settle. Skinning will be more common early, and when warm potatoes
go into a cold reefer or warehouse, they can sweat moisture. That
moisture can leave behind a white fuzz that looks like mold, but it is
harmless to the product and can be brushed or wiped off.
Onion and potato harvest in the Northwest is one of the first signs that
summer is winding down and fall is around the corner. Relief is starting,
but both crops still need time to build volume, cure, and settle into
storage. Until then, ordering potatoes and onions for quicker turns will
be the best way to protect quality through the transition.

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