SPOKANE, WA – (April 2, 2020) – Northwest Farm Credit Services, the Northwest’s leading agricultural lending cooperative, has released its quarterly Market Snapshot reports covering the state of major agricultural commodities in the region. Northwest FCS industry teams throughout Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington monitor conditions and report outlooks for commodities financed by the co-op.
In the first quarter of 2020, agricultural industries – including forestry and fisheries – navigated volatile economic conditions caused largely by the coronavirus pandemic. Northwest FCS is working closely with customer-members who are experiencing difficulties.
All Market Snapshots and audio highlights are posted online at Industry Insights.
Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook for the agricultural commodities most common in the Northwest are summarized below.
Cattle
Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook for cattle suggests variable profitability throughout the beef sector. Packing margins are at a record high on strong domestic demand. Cattle feeders continue to work through large inventories, specifically heavier feeder cattle. Feeders’ ability to protect pricing protect during this volatile period will determine their profitability, which appears to be breakeven to a slight loss. The outlook for cow calf producers is breakeven to slightly profitable depending primarily on the producer’s ability to price protect or market calves at or above their cost of production.
Dairy
Northwest FCS’ 12-month dairy outlook anticipates unprofitable returns in 2020. The long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the dairy industry are uncertain. Producer profitability will depend on risk management strategies placed before the COVID-19 outbreak.
Fisheries
Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook expects fisheries to be slightly profitable. Pollock, the largest fishery in the U.S., continues to exhibit strong demand and pricing. Plus, some progress has been made on the trade deal with China. However, headwinds include lower Pacific cod total allowable catch, increased salmon inventory and small-sized sablefish.
Forest Products
Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook calls for slightly profitable margins for timberland owners and forest products manufacturers. Although markets were improving at the beginning of 2020, forecasters expect subdued end-market activity through the summer and pricing is being pressured down. Still, timberland owners and mills are expected to be slightly profitable for the year.
Hay
For hay, Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook suggests alfalfa profitability will moderate as producers intend to plant more acres in 2020. Large inventory of mid-grade timothy continues to drive weak prices. Export prospects remain favorable despite trade disruption.
Nursery/Greenhouse
Northwest FCS’ 12-month profitability outlook for the nursery industry remains positive for 2020. Growers report strong orders and an early start to the spring shipping season. However, rapidly changing market conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic create uncertainty for consumer demand. Spring will bring challenges and opportunities for the industry.
Onions
Northwest FCS’ outlook for onions shows below break-even prices. COVID-19 fears and onion quality issues are negatively impacting current prices. However, the 2020 crop is being planted in excellent conditions and is earlier than in past years.
Potatoes
Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook is for slightly profitable returns for both contracted and uncontracted potatoes. Inventory is lower year over year and higher prices will ration supplies for the rest of the 2019-20 marketing season. Going into the 2020 crop year, the outlook is moderately favorable for producers.
Sugar Beets
Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook continues to be profitable for sugar beet growers for 2019-20, with a USDA forecast suggesting a drop in the stocks-to-use ratio from 14.5 (2018-19) to 13.5 (2019-20), a favorable ratio for Northwest sugar beet producers.
Wheat
For wheat, Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook calls for break-even returns. USDA’s projected 2019-2020 season average farm price for all-wheat is $4.55 per bushel, down $0.61 from last year. Variability in yield and quality will drive individual producer profitability.
Apples
Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook expects slight profits for apple growers. A large crop has suppressed prices while lower quality fruit is further reducing growers’ returns. Improving export markets are positive for the industry but domestic demand is sluggish. Growers need good varieties, quality and yields to be profitable in this environment.
Cherries
Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook expects slightly profitable returns for mid-season cherries and profitable returns for early- and late-season cherries. Although Little Cherry Disease and cold mid-March temperatures will likely decrease the 2020 crop, the mid-season supply glut is still expected to reduce margins during that marketing window.
Pears
Northwest FCS’ 12-month profitability index indicates break-even profitability for the pear industry. A smaller crop is helping move the pears. However, packouts are low this year and growers with poor quality are experiencing negative margins. Growers need high packouts and good yields to capture profits this season.
Wine/Vineyard
Northwest FCS’ 12-month outlook anticipates slight profits for wineries and vineyards. With overproduction in the two largest wine-producing areas, grape prices are falling and finding buyers for grapes is difficult. Sales measured by volume are declining as consumers cut back on alcohol consumption.
About Northwest FCS
Northwest FCS is a $13 billion financial cooperative providing financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Northwest FCS is a member of the nationwide Farm Credit System that supports agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. For more information, go to northwestfcs.com.
