Weather currently is  ideal for most of the West Coast growing regions.  Along the Coast,  Santa Maria to San Diego normal (63hi/40lo) temps are forecast through December with possible mild Rain events periodically scattered throughout the month. The desert will be near normal (69hi/38-44lo) this week,  dropping below normal next week before returning to normal for Christmas week. Rain becomes a possibility for the desert starting 12/29. Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have Normal weather (74hi/53lo) with an occasional thunder storm the next couple weeks before falling below normal but dry for Christmas week.

Transportation rates have been edging down with favorable conditions the past few weeks. Trucks have been easily making arrivals and often arriving too early with no weather impeding their travel east.  Stronger Holiday business could steady rates but plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

LETTUCE- Yuma production continues  to run 1 to 2 weeks ahead of schedule .  Strong supplies have led to a very weak market. Some shippers are trying to hold on and harvest EVERYTHING but the better quality is coming from shippers jumping ahead before the lettuce over matures. Monitoring weights is the best indicator of quality.  Being ahead of schedule will eventually lead to tighter supplies once the weather cools off which could possibly happen by the middle of next week.

LEAF LETTUCE- Good supplies of all leaf will continue to saturate the market.  Quality is very good even Romaine hearts are starting to see a more traditional bleached color. Ideal temps should keep quality high with no effects  of freeze damage forecast until well after the New Year.

BROCCOLI- The market is heavily saturated with supplies coming from all growing districts. There is a WIDE range in quality between the coast and the desert.  Last weeks rains on the coast caused sporadic defects including water spotting and pin rot. There are volume deals available but not all deals are good  Values .

CAULIFLOWER- The  market is  continuing to react downward as production in the desert is coming on strong. Demand is  likely to pick up next week and could stabilize the market especially with colder weather.  Quality has been excellent other than some bruising issues due to product harvested during the rain last weekend.

CELERY- Due to reduced acreage the celery market is being able to withstand an industry wide glut of produce. Larger sizes and overall volume should start to peak heading into Holiday demand period.  Quality has been very nice with larger sizes becoming more prevalent.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to be  active with limited supplies coming in from Mexico and Peru.  Increased shipments should help supplies but strong Holiday demand will keep pressure on the market to remain high.

GREEN ONION- Good supplies are forecast through December but traditionally supplies become limited during the Holidays due to labor and logistical issues out of Mexico. Good values currently on smaller sizes and Iceless packs  which have an extended shelf life due to the breathable film.

CARROTS- Production is  back on track after a few slight weather related delays .  The market is steady with good  demand which will continue through the Holidays.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Supplies continue to be strong with the exception of heavy rains last weekend quality has been excellent . There will be occasional spotting issues from the rains but quality should rebound quickly in time for the Holiday demand. Take advantage of good promotional pricing for the Holidays.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good  volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

STRAWBERRIES- With Oxnard  production disrupted due to recent rains the market has been exceptionally strong with a seasonal low in volume due to limited starts in Mexico and Florida. The good news is production is currently at the bottom and has no where to go but up. Although availability may increase in the coming weeks  prices look to stay strong through the Holiday.  Receivers have had to alter their specs  in order to get fruit through Quality Assurance. Bruising , inconsistent color and occasional soft rot are the issues currently. Sizing as well as quality should start to improve daily . Raspberry production was also setback but should improve going forward. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.