Lettuce​

Iceberg  production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Some  shippers  have extreme low levels  of production while others have a surplus budgeted quantities.  Overall production is steady with no current pressure to push harvest. Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew , insect pressure and tipburn.  Long term weather forecast calls for normal temperatures which should help overall quality and maintain a steady supply.

Mix Leaf

Demand for  Romaine Hearts continues  with  little production from the East affecting supplies.  Redleaf and Green leaf market has adjusted to  much lighter demand  while Romaine  continues to be steady  with uneven distribution continues among shippers. Wide ranging quality continues to affect the market especially  romaine with insect pressure and mildew.

Celery

Good volume overall, shippers are looking for business on larger sized celery.  Small sizes are less plentiful and are demanding a higher price. In some instances there is a $4-$5 spread between large and small sizes. All product is coming out of Oxnard and Santa Maria and Salinas will begin production in light numbers next week.  Quality is very nice and very few problems to speak of this season.

Broccoli

Good supplies of broccoli will continue into next week.  Crowns still seem to be more available than bunched product at this time.  It does not look like market conditions will change much over the next 10 days. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14’s and stalk size is averaging a 50 cent piece in diameter. We are still finding the occasional branchy and knuckly product but quality overall is good. We may start to see some product with cat eye and possibly yellowing next week out of the Santa Maria area due to the light rains they received on Tuesday of this week.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies have tightened as we come into a supply gap over the next 4 days.   Better supplies are expected by the middle of next week and markets will continue to climb until this time.  Overall quality has been good although there is some irregular sizing and yellow cast being found in both the Salinas and Santa Maria growing areas. Weights are ranging from 26 to 32 lbs on 12’s.

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from Mexico with some light domestic production.  Lighter demand caused by overall fair quality continues with various sizing and insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season picks back up in late summer. A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.