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Lettuce​

Weather and its’ effects on quality continues to dominate market.  This weeks heat wave has added pressure to already stressed crop. Work stoppages and heat related damage has further reduced available supplies and  keeping market firm.  Insect, mildew, high core,  tip burn and sun scald will all be present . Supplies  look to  be volatile for the duration of the Salinas  Valley season .

 

Mix Leaf

The effects of the weather is also affecting all leaf.  Romaine and Hearts  especially have increased pressure from high core / seeders which is forcing growers to harvest fields earlier than anticipated creating surges of production and leading to a wide range in pricing among shippers.  There’s currently  a few shippers with surging supplies  but this weeks heat  may actually reduce  available  supplies  due to  work stoppages  and  lost acreage to heat damage.

 

Celery

Production continues out of Salinas, although volume is decreasing. Santa Maria is picking up production as quickly as they can.  Michigan is still producing adequate numbers.  Quality has been nice overall, some reports of bottom rot have been reported.  Labor continues to be a factor limiting production, particularly in Santa Maria where there have been labor shortages all year. Water allocation is another factor that could strengthen the market in the coming weeks, as celery requires significantly more water than other veg items.

 

Broccoli

The market remains strong especially on the crown cuts.  We can expect prices to remain high into next week and possibly longer.  The warm weather will cause some sponginess to the stem and possibly some yellow bead.  Dome sizes are still larger than normal for this time of year affecting crown yields.

 

Cauliflower

Heat related issues from the warmer than normal weather in the Salinas and Santa Maria growing regions has disrupted the supply chain.  Expect market pricing to remain high through the middle of next week as we see loss in yields due to the warm weather.  You will see more yellowing and some soft shoulder in most product.  We will keep our inspectors busy trying to find the best quality available.

 

Artichokes

Production continues primarily on Globe/Seeded varieties.   Larger sizes after a brief  return last week are showing signs  of suffering from heat related issues .  Currently very good  availability on medium sizes  The market  varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with  occasional insect pressure but severe heat can cause “black heart” if  conditions continue. Limited  supplies  of  Green  Globe /Heirloom varieties will be available later this  month.

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues  from the Central Coast . Quality remains good although insect pressure will continue through the Summer. Market should start to ease as supplies will increase from production overflow from  freezer contracts beginning later this month  and  Eastern Canada  will begin its’ local  harvest for their Thanksgiving demand .

 

Strawberries

Temperatures in the Central California growing areas touched triple digits this week. The forecast for the weekend is for a cooling trend for the coastal areas. Though this is much needed relief for the Berry world, the damage may already be done. Expect a wide range in pricing next week as quality will vary widely.

 

Cantaloupes

The market showed resilience this week in spite of the holiday demand dissipating.  There were a few ads still going and extreme heat has shocked vines and delayed the breaking of new fields.  Quality is adequate to good in spite of the heat.

 

Honeydews

Supplies were ample and quality was adequate in spite of the heat. Demand as fair.  Shipping areas remain Westside and Sacramento areas.

 

Limes

There is a two tier market emerging between old and new crop. Sizing is mostly 200s and smaller with the peak sizes in 230/250 range . Old crop is exhibiting some quality issues along with lighter color.

 

Watermelon

East Coast melons are winding down early as is Mid West and prices are slowly rising.  Produce West has Seedless Watermelon available to load in McAllen starting 9/14/15 in bins or cartons to order .