Product is really coming on now around the country, from California,  Michigan, Florida, Texas, and the local backyard gardens. With so much product coming from so many different areas, it is difficult to keep tabs on the markets. It seems no matter what price we quote, we’re WRONG! But, again, this IS August, and the dog days are here.
Long range weather forecasts show no change in the Salinas growing area, with mild days and cool nights, with no rain. The San Joaquin Valley, where the tree fruit, melons, and grapes are coming from, show highs in the mid-90s, and no rain.
Plenty of trucks, with rates steady.

LETTUCE–shippers looking for business, and prices are down, compared to last week. However, there is a range of $2-3.00/box for wrap 24s, depending on the shipper. The “preferred” labels are trying to hold on to the stronger prices, but are being drug down by the “mostly” market. Quality is holding up nicely.

BROCCOLI–not much change here. Bunch 14s and 18s are steady, compared to last week, and there are a few more crowns around, so that market is a bit easier. Quality is good either out of Salinas or Santa Maria areas.

CAULIFLOWER–watch out for this one. Currently, there is about a $5.00/box SPREAD in the market, but business is poor due to high retails set throughout the country. Once the overall market starts to come down in the next few days, there won’t be any stopping the slide. And, you DON’T want to be caught with high priced flower.

LEAF ITEMS–continued wide range in price on romaine. In fact, there is as much as a $5.00/box spread in the price. But, coming off a high market, that is usually what happens. So, make sure you buy with some protection. Green leaf continues to drift downward, and is much closer in price to its counterpart, red leaf.

CELERY–again, no change here, although smaller size 36s and 48s are a bit more scarce than the larger size 24s and 30s, and are priced a bit higher

STRAWBERRIES–lighter supplies throughout the industry, but the market is holding steady. Driscoll is currently pro rating orders, and claim they will have light supplies for the next month, so expect them to continue to try to raise their prices.