Pistachio growers are looking at a good harvest this year.
USDA has this year’s crop at 1.1 billion pounds, the third largest on record. American Pistachio Growers says trees planted a decade ago are finally starting to produce. They tell the Capital Press that a big focus is on export markets and say they are monitoring the situation closely in Washington, D.C.
If projections remain unchanged, the U.S. will lead the world in pistachio production for the ninth consecutive season.
Related Stories
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
If confirmed, early Chinese buys tighten nearby Gulf/PNW capacity and could bump basis in export-oriented regions.
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.
