US(MI): Cucumber market could firm up

While prices for cucumbers out of Michigan are steady at the moment, growers would like prices to be…

While prices for cucumbers out of Michigan are steady at the moment, growers would like prices to be higher. They could get their wish this month, as fewer supplies could firm up prices.

“There's a lot of competition with a lot of cucumbers coming from many areas,” said Oliver Wolfe of Above All Produce in Benton Harbor, Michigan. “Volumes are good – they're not really heavy, but there are good supplies.” A steady supply of cucumbers has made for a steady market, with prices staying between $12.00 and $14.00 per carton.

“We'd like to see prices between $14.00 and $18.00 a carton,” said Wolfe. “With the cost of labor and everything else, $14.00 isn't a lot of money for the grower.” As the season rolls on, some growers will likely drop out of the cucumber market in favor of other commodities, and the dip in supplies could raise prices.

“Growers will go into other commodities, like tomatoes or peppers, so production will lighten,” said Wolfe. “So I think the market will strengthen in about 10 to 14 days.”