Hurricane Isaias, which hit Florida in early October, wiped out roughly one-third of Long & Scott Farms' Kirby cucumber crop. The rain prevented timely picking — harvesting in wet conditions damages plants — and worsened an existing fungus in the fields. Picking began September 20 and normally runs through late November, but this year's losses will cut into that second, third, and fourth pick cycle on affected acreage.
Pricing on Kirby pickling cucumbers is currently around $28 for the most in-demand 3A (dill) size, which growers describe as solid. The concern is whether Mexican supply enters the market before the Florida season can recoup its losses. When Mexico ramps up — typically in December — volume historically saturates the market and suppresses pricing.
Worth monitoring how quickly Mexican cucumber production enters the market this season. If it arrives early, Florida growers will have limited window to recover pricing after storm losses. Buyers under contract won't see much flexibility, but fresh market buyers could see an interesting window in November.