2023-2025 Produce Auction Price & Quantity Averages Now Available

The Three-Year Average Prices & Quantities at Two Selected Kentucky Produce Auctions: 2023-2025 is live on the UK-CCD website! This report compares average volumes and average prices for 10 crops from the two largest Kentucky produce auctions (Fairview and Lincoln County) for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons. This report provides a three-year average quantity and average price graph for each crop selected for analysis. Each page is specific to a crop, and there is a graph dedicated to the Fairview Produce Auction and to the Lincoln County Produce Auction. 

The information in this report is based on data available to the Center for Crop Diversification and is only a representation of the Fairview Produce Auction and the Lincoln County Produce Auction; however, this report is helpful for growers and auction buyers across the state. The Total QTY & Avg. $ tool on each page provides the reader with an idea of how the quantities and prices for items sold at the auction have changed over the last three years. In 2020, the produce auctions saw an increase in products sold through auction, and that trend continues in these post-COVID years.

The crops analyzed in this report include apples, (green) beans, canary melons, cantaloupe, (slicing and pickling) cucumbers, (green bell) peppers, (small and medium/large) pumpkins, strawberries, sweet corn, (#1 and #2 grade, small and canner, and heirloom) tomatoes, and (seedless and seeded) watermelon.

Producers may find this information useful when considering:

• What crops to grow and when to grow them.
• How to think about pricing products for wholesale or bulk sales, as well as price minimums.  
• Whether selling at an auction will fit their operation and market interests.
• How to package their product for sale at the auction. 

Auction Managers might use this information for:

• Communicating with prospective growers or buyers about the seasonal activity of various crops in Kentucky.
• Degrees and benefits of various quality premiums (ex. #1 and #2 Grade tomatoes vs. small and canner tomatoes) for different crops.
• Long-term planning for their market. 

Buyers can use this information for: 

• Observing the beginning, peak, and end of the season for specific crops coming through Kentucky’s produce auctions.
• Understanding how the auction’s prices compare to prices available from other market outlets.
• Planning outlets for purchasing crops throughout the year. 

If you have questions or comments about how to read, use, or understand this report, please email savannah.columbia@uky.edu.