Bill Morecraft
Senior Vice President
May’s ABC Position Report shows shipments of 178.7 million pounds in May, up 13% from last year. YTD shipments stands at 1.944 million pounds which is within 1% of last year’s number. New sales during May were 108 million pounds which will lead to continued strong shipments going forward. With the 2018 crop remaining at 2.267 billion pounds, the most significant number in the report is the uncommitted inventory of 274.4 million lbs. With an ending inventory projecting below 350 million lbs., uncommitted inventory will be at very low levels. Additionally, the next 90-120 days of pollinizer supply will be every bit as tight as last year. Furthermore, with the mild spring weather it is likely the harvest may trend later. Typically, pollinators will not be ready for new crop shipment until end September / October. The very low carryout number will stress the industry as it struggles to have supply to meet early new crop demand….[Read More]