On May 8 the Chicago, St. Louis and Dallas terminal markets reported prices from $11.50 to $17.50 per box for vine ripe tomatoes, depending on tomato size, maturity, origin and quality. The best prices appear to be associated with the largest tomatoes. The 4×4 and 4×5 sized tomatoes sold mostly for $14, $16 and $17.50 at these markets on May 8. Last year at the same time those markets reported prices from $17.25 to $25 per box for vine ripe tomatoes.
Also reported by USDA on May 8 were prices received by farmers. Florida farmers received $6.45 to 7.45 for their 5×6 and 6×6 mature green tomatoes while Mexico farmers received mostly $10.85 for their two-layer cartons of vine ripe tomatoes ranging in size from 4×4 to 4×5. Mexico farmers received mostly $8.85 for their 5×5 and 5×6 size tomatoes.
So what can we expect for the remainder of May, June and into July? According to USDA's Shipping Point Trends Report released May 9, shipments from central and south Florida is expected to decrease through May. Movement from Mexico crossing through Arizona is expected to decrease as harvest in that area finishes.
Mid-South tomato producers face competition from west Florida, South Carolina, parts of Mexico and California. These regions will begin their harvest seasons in May or June, much the same as the Mid-South.