Southern United States Pecan Market

PHOENIX - Jan 5/06 - SNS -- Pecan market conditions and prices were updated for Arizona, New Mexico And West Texas in this report from the USDA.

Provided by:  Fruit and Vegetable Market News,
              Federal-State Market News Service, USDA.

Phone: (602) 514-7210    Fax: (602) 514-7215

IX FV140
PHOENIX PECAN REPORT.

---ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO
   Deliveries by growers to buying points were light for large truckload lots of
20,000 pounds or more and moderate for small lots. Demand was moderate. Prices
paid to growers were about steady. Harvesting was very active in all areas as
growers took advantage of ideal harvesting weather. Most large growers have
finished harvesting while others are expecting to finish within the next ten
days. Much of the remaining acreage is in small acreage blocks waiting custom
harvesting. Trade sources estimate harvesting to be 90-95 percent complete
depending upon area.
   The weather this week was dry but warmer in most areas. Early morning low
temperatures were generally in the upper 30s and 40s in the higher elevations
and 50 to 60s in the lower elevations. The weather forecast for the next week
calls for similar temperatures in most areas although a chance of precipitation
is forecasted for early next week.
   Harvested quality has been good with offerings of Western Schley generally
ranging on large lots 55% meat yield or better, and on smaller lots 52% meat
yield or better with many lots 54% meat yield or better.
   Buying interest by end users was moderate for commercial sheller use. Trading
has been slow as most users continue to utilize inventories on hand, access
needs, or make purchases from other growing areas where available, while waiting
for more supplies to be made available from the Western region. Most growers are
delaying making marketing decisions, reluctant to accept offers at current
market price levels instead opting to concentrate on finishing harvesting and
cleaning and grading nuts for later sale. Most trading has been for small lots
with prices established at the door at time of delivery.

Prices paid to growers from Thursday afternoon, December 29, 2005 to noon
Thursday, January 05, 2006 at delivery point or F.O.B. the orchard.

In lots in excess of 20,000 pounds mostly truckload lots of 40,000 pounds or
more Improved varieties mostly Western Schley 55% meat yield or better
$3.05-3.10 per point, mostly $3.05 per point, occasional higher.

Lots less than 5000 pounds Various varieties cents per pound inshell 52% meat
yield or better mostly 54% meat yield or better according to lot quality and lot
size 125-150 poorer quality lower.

NEXT REPORT WILL BE ISSUED TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2006

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STAT News Service