After a very brief bump in prices for various items for Easter business, things have dropped back to depressed markets. About the only items that remain active are strawberries. The desert is just about done for shipping, and just about all shippers should be completely gone by the end of next week, moving to Salinas, Santa Maria, and Huron areas. This will help for loading purposes, as we will be more condensed in our pickups. One thing worth noting is that picking up in Salinas, as opposed to picking up in Yuma means about 8 extra hours of travel time to the east coast. Keep that in mind when loading and for your arrival schedules.

Long range weather in the California growing areas show no rain for the next 10 days, but continued cool for this time of year.

Trucks have been pretty tight this past week for Easter pulls to eastern and Midwestern destinations, and rates pushed up. There should be more trucks available this weekend, and rates more normal. Still, trucks seem to be pushing daily for more money because of rising fuel costs.

 

LETTUCE–just because we have moved from the desert to Huron doesn’t mean the market will change. It hasn’t, the market remains flat, and we don’t see much hope for the stronger situation for another 2 weeks, at least.  Quality is okay in Huron, although we would like to see better size and weights. There are also some internal issues, mostly internal tip burn, which shouldn’t break down.

 

BROCCOLI–after a brief market bump, shippers back to looking for business on bunch or crowns. Supplies are coming out of Salinas, Santa Maria, San Joaquin Valley, and even a little left in the desert. Best quality seems to be along the coastal areas of Salinas and Santa Maria. Don’t be afraid to shop around, as shippers are “flexing”.

 

CAULIFLOWER–also after a brief market bump, prices have backed down, and shippers are looking for business. There is range in price of $2-3.00/box depending upon the area, label, and quality, but overall prices are pointing downward. However, we could see this market turn around by this time next week.

 

LEAF ITEMS–still a few shippers going on red, green, and romaine in Yuma, while more starting in Huron, Santa Maria, Oxnard, and Salinas. This will keep the market on these items mostly down, as the shippers battle for business. Some shippers are discounting prices to get the trucks to come to their area. Quality is as wide ranged as the product is.

 

CELERY–just about all celery now located in Oxnard and Santa Maria. Some shippers are transferring product to Salinas to load with mixer trucks, and charging $1.50, or so, a box for the effort. Overall, the markets are steady, with smaller size 36s getting $1-2.00/box more than the larger sizes.

 

STRAWBERRIES–continued battle for supplies. The rain that fell over a week ago is still having adverse effects on supplies and quality. We are still seeing bruising, leather spotting, and light colored fruit. But, because supplies are SO tight, there aren’t many complaints. Truly, that is ALL THERE IS. Hopefully, we will start to see better numbers next week.

 

ASPARAGUS–with the Easter push all but over, demand and prices are backing off. For the most part, Easter business was uneventful, as there appeared to be enough supplies to go around, just some subbing large size for standards.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

This week starts the beginning of the Easter pull, mostly for east coast receiving. And there are some issues we are dealing with, and it mostly involves WEATHER.  Rain fell in the strawberry areas of Oxnard and Santa Maria, creating REAL messes, all adding up to SHORTAGES and PRO RATES this week. 1 1/2-2 inches fell in these areas over the weekend, and most shippers are stripping early this week, pushing trucks into tomorrow, then again into tomorrow after that. As far as any of the vegetable items are concerned, about the only interest is asparagus. Being the routinely major item for Easter, there are shortages here, as well, but not as bad.

Long range weather shows rain scattered for the next 10 days in Salinas area, and basically nothing forecasted from Oxnard to the southern desert growing districts.

Trucks are much tighter this week, what with the Easter pull, and truckers are pushing for higher rates, because of this increased demand. Still, they may loosen up, as strawberry loads are cut back.

 

LETTUCE–supplies coming out of 4-5 areas now. Huron, Bakersfield, Santa Maria, and all the way to the desert and Phoenix, where most shippers are finishing up. Still, others saying they will continue for another 2-3 weeks. We feel the best quality is still coming out of the desert, so we are staying there, unless our truck loading forces us to buy in Huron. The market is still fairly flat.

 

BROCCOLI–a real wide range in price here, with as much as a $5.00/box SPREAD on crowns, depending upon the area. Quality is mostly good in all areas, so it is certainly worth shopping around for the best deal.

 

CAULIFLOWER–like broccoli, supplies are scattered from Salinas to Yuma. Yuma is definitely winding down, and should be totally done by early next week, where we will start loading trucks out of Salinas and Santa Maria areas. And with the scattered supplies, comes scattered prices, with a range of $3-4.00/box. This item is also worth shopping.

 

LEAF ITEMS–supplies are still coming out of the desert, while Huron has now started. We are trying to stay in the desert, where the best quality is. Prices on red, green, and romaine are still fairly flat, although there are signs the markets could get a bit stronger by this time next week.

 

CELERY–with the desert finishing up, the concentration for supplies will be in the Oxnard/Santa Maria areas. And, with the rain they got over the weekend, harvesting is a real challenge early this week. Expect muddy cartons and muddy product. The market is reacting up, due to the supply shortage, but this will be short -lived.

 

STRAWBERRIES–as mentioned above, things are a REAL MESS, especially after 2 inches of rain in Oxnard over the weekend. Demand was already strong for Easter business, so this rain issue does NOT help! Expect pro rates, and quality is something to deal with. Shippers are doing the best they can, but EXPECT dirty fruit, rain spotting, and some bruising. It CAN’T be helped.

 

ASPARAGUS–Easter business is in full swing, and there are A LOT of ads out there. Normally, any grass that is NON-committed gets priced out $4-6.00/box MORE than the ads. We aren’t seeing that. At least, not yet. We have mentioned in previous bulletins, that with the weak economy, asparagus is not a a “must have” item. That, we believe, is a MAJOR reason why the market hasn’t taken off.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

It’s that time of year in the spring, where the vegetable deals move from the desert northward to Oxnard, Bakersfield, Santa Maria, Huron, and ultimately Salinas. This is not a particularly fun time for the next 2-3 weeks, as we have SO many areas going that you can scatter your trucks around the whole state, trying to find the best price and quality. For now, though, we will try to stay in the desert as long as we can, as long as the quality holds and prices comparable.

Long range weather in the desert areas show highs creeping into the high 80s, and lows in the 50s, typical for this time of year. No rain in the desert. When temperatures start hitting the 90s, we need to start moving northward. The “new” areas of Huron and Bakersfield are now getting rain and even some hail over the weekend. This unsettled weather will continue for the next 10 days.

Trucks remain available, but tighter, now that strawberries are picking up volume, and rates are climbing. For instance, we are now paying $400-500 more for a load to the east coast than what we paid 10 days ago.

 

LETTUCE–Huron and Bakersfield have started this week, as shippers look to move their crews and equipment north. The best quality still remains in the desert, and should be the best way to go the rest of this week, and possibly next, depending upon the weather. The market is definitely stronger than the past month, with prices $3-4.00 higher for wrap 24s than where it has been.

 

BROCCOLI–market has peaked out, and we should see prices start drifting downward by the end of this week. Supplies are scattered throughout California, with availability from Salinas to Phoenix, and points in between. There will be more crowns available, as well as bunch, so it will be worth it to start shopping around.

 

CAULIFLOWER–as mentioned last week, this market was pushed up too high, too fast, and is now backing off There is about a $4-5.00 SPREAD in price depending upon the area and shipper, so this is another item to shop.

 

LEAF ITEMS–not much change. Plenty of red, green, and romaine, and prices are still flat. We are looking to remain in the desert for our leaf needs for another 2-3 weeks, then move to Huron and then Salinas.

 

CELERY–market starting to go up, led by Dole and T&A. Supplies dropping off in the desert, but overall demand isn’t getting better. We will see a wide range in price this week because of the actions of Dole and T&A. We don’t think other shippers are seeing what these other 2 shippers are seeing, which is why there will be a spread.

 

ASPARAGUS–market MUCH more active, as shippers prepare for the Easter onslaught, which is what they anticipate. With Easter in early April, we will experience the tail end of the desert, and the starting of the Stockton/Lodi deal. Its been too cold in Stockton/Lodi, and supplies are holding back, so the pressure for supplies will remain in the desert. The shippers in the desert know that, and haven’t given very attractive prices for Easter, so if retails are set high, this could be a slow Easter.

 

STRAWBERRIES–rain hit the Oxnard/Santa Maria areas over the weekend, with as much as 2 inches recorded.  Most shippers have been stripping their fields this early week, and should be in better shape by the end of this week. Easter ads start to pull the middle of next week, so things should be tight for the next 2 weeks. After that, watch out. There should be PLENTY of berries.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

After record-breaking dry months in December, January, AND February, we are FINALLY scheduled to receive some MUCH NEEDED rain this week in northern and central California. The desert growing regions are going to remain dry, which is normal, but we are looking forward to a wet pattern for the rest of the state. We need snow pack in the Sierra Nevada mountains to replenish reservoirs and underground aquifers that farmers (and the rest of us) depend upon for valuable water supplies every year.

Long ranger weather in the desert growing regions show normal days and nights for this time of year, with highs in the low 80s and nights in the 50s.

Trucks remain plentiful, but keep pushing for higher rates because of the higher fuel costs that remain in the headlines and are topics of political conversations.

 

LETTUCE–a bit stronger, but nothing earth shattering. Shippers have been desperately trying to get the market off the floor, with little or no success since mid January. We have about another 3 weeks before we switch to the Huron and Bakersfield areas for the spring crop. Lettuce quality in the desert remains good, overall, with nice size and weights, and little quality issues. There are some fields that are behind, and showing some older appearance, and we are trying to stay away from those lots.

 

BROCCOLI–much stronger market out west, especially on crowns. Supplies have been so heavy for the past month, that there is finally a gap. To go with this, Virginia has finished, so this has now allowed shippers here to bump up their markets, and they aren’t holding back. However, we see this trend stalling out, by this time next week.

 

CAULIFLOWER–after shippers ran up the market last week, and retail prices changed, we are now seeing demand drop off and some flex in prices. It is important not to order too heavily this week, as we expect the market to be off $4-5.00//box by this time next week. Also, new areas of Salinas and Santa Maria are starting.

 

LEAF ITEMS–not much change. Still plenty of red, green, and romaine, and the markets remain flat. Supplies in the desert areas should continue for another 3-4 weeks, but we will see other areas start up the first of April.

 

CELERY–no change. Plenty of supplies in Oxnard and the desert, and the markets continue flat on the larger sizes, and a bit stronger on the smaller sizes. The desert should continue for another 3 weeks, or so.

 

ASPARAGUS–this deal is starting to wind down in the desert, and should be done by the first to middle of April. There looks like there won’t be supplies for the Easter pull out of the desert, or at least not much in the way of supplies. The Stockton/Lodi deals are very slow to get cranked up, so things could be VERY interesting for the Easter pull, which we have mentioned in previous bulletins.

 

STRAWBERRIES–supplies are starting to come on, but now with rain forecasted in the Oxnard and Santa Maria areas for this weekend. Then, Easter business will start in about 2 weeks, so this deal could “made” until after the first of April. After that, watch out. There are LOTS of berries out there.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

While not all of the major vegetable items are showing better demand, there are a few that are. Asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, and strawberries are all starting to pick up, market-wise, out here. This is certainly a good sign overall for the markets, as things have been depressed for over a month in the desert growing regions. Shippers are looking at their bottom lines for the winter season, and they are NOT good. ANY market increase will be welcome, and they won’t hesitate to push prices up as quickly as they can.

Trucks continue to be readily available, and rates are inching up, due to increasing fuel costs. To give you an idea, if it is 3000 miles from west coast to east coast, and it takes about 600 gallons of fuel to make the trip, and the price goes up 50 cents/gallon, that would about $250 over and above normal costs.

Long range weather shows little or no rain in the desert growing regions, with highs getting into the low 80s, and lows in the 50s. The strawberry growing regions of Santa Maria and Oxnard show cool days only in the mid 60s, and lows in the upper 40s. By the way, we can OFFICIALLY say the threat of any freeze in the desert is OVER!

 

LETTUCE–it may be a while for this market to get off the floor. There is just TOO much lettuce in the desert. Instead of getting together and skipping some fields to shrink supply and raise the market, the shippers just keep pumping out volume and keep the market depressed. It’s a REAL head scratcher.

 

BROCCOLI–this market is starting to pick up a bit. Volume is dropping in the desert, and shippers are trying to raise their prices. But, with plenty of product in Virginia and Georgia, we don’t see that lasting very long. The quality continues to be very nice in the desert, as well as Santa Maria, Phoenix, and Texas.

 

CAULIFLOWER–we are in a bit of a supply gap, and the shippers are pushing their prices up daily. As we mentioned, they have lost so much money in the desert, that they are trying to get as much, and as fast as they can. But, what usually happens here is they push prices up too high, too fast, and then they kill it. We could see that happening by this time next week.

 

LEAF ITEMS–slightly stronger on all leaf items, red, green, and romaine. No big deal, because even a dollar up doesn’t make too much difference in delivered costs, on an already low price. There is still plenty of product in the desert, and they should go another 3 weeks, or so.

 

CELERY–no change. Large size 18s and 24s are still flat in price, while the smaller size 36s and 48s are commanding $2-3.00/box more. Supplies still plentiful out of the desert, Oxnard, and Santa Maria. Heart 12s and 18s are available.

 

ASPARAGUS–things are finally starting to pick up for the shippers. We have seen some of the lowest prices we have seen in over 10 years. Supplies are still going be available in the desert for another 3 weeks, then fall off rapidly. If you notice, they will fall off just in time for Easter pull. Things could get interesting, as the Stockton/Lodi deal will be going, but may not have the volume to pick up the slack for the Easter demand.

 

STRAWBERRIES–increasing demand for California berries, and the market is VERY firm. We have had a few warm days, which helped to bring on some fruit, but the forecast is for colder temperatures the rest of this week. All we really need is some extended days of warm weather, and the berries will come on. The fruit is OUT THERE.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

The depressed markets for desert vegetables continue, and, except for a few spikes on a few items, we don’t see much change for a few more weeks. Easter business is still more than a month away, so even items such as asparagus won’t see much demand. We are asked ‘what are good items to advertise’, and we respond: EVERYTHING!

Long range weather forecast in the desert growing regions show a few cold mornings the next few days, but no freeze, then warming up this weekend, with highs in the low to mid 80’s. No rain.

Trucks remain plentiful, but we are hearing grumblings about higher rates due to the increased fuel costs. Can’t blame them.

 

LETTUCE–not many ways to say “too much product”, so we will say it again: TOO MUCH PRODUCT.  Most shippers are working minimum days, which is only about 4 hours, picking out the best lettuce, and leaving the rest. This continues to be a great item to advertise, and will be for another 3-4 weeks.

 

BROCCOLI–western shippers are trying their best to get this market up, but with all of the cheap product available in Virginia, Carolinas, and Georgia, not to mention what is out here from Santa Maria, Ca. to Texas, there just isn’t much hope for the market to get off the floor. Quality remains nice, so this is also a good item to promote.

 

CAULIFLOWER–in its typical roller coaster ride, cauliflower at least has a little excitement once in a while. Currently, there is a stronger undertone, but at the same time, a bit of a spread in the market, with as much as a $3-4.00/box difference on 12s, depending upon the shipper and location, so it is worth it to shop around.  Santa Maria has had the best deals, but quality is showing up better in the desert.

 

LEAF ITEMS–no change here. Plenty of red, green, boston, and romaine, and prices are low. It appears that we are finally working out of the freeze issues from DECEMBER.

 

CELERY–plenty of celery in either Oxnard or the desert areas. The deals are on the larger size 18s and 24s, while the smaller size 36s and 48s are $2-3.00/box more than the larger sizes. What this shows is the celery is staying out in fields due to lack of demand, and it grows, making for the large size glut.

 

ASPARAGUS–this market is a bit stronger. We mentioned that the economy is playing a big part in the lack of demand for asparagus, and we truly believe that. Asparagus is not an item the consumer HAS to have, so, unless there is a .99/# ad out there, demand just isn’t there. Normally, we would see the market close to $40 fob this time of year, but not this year. With Easter business a month away, we don’t see much change here for a while. Again, ADVERTISE.

 

STRAWBERRIES–a few sprinkles around, along with some cold nights have slowed growth for California berries, and keeping the market VERY active. Quality isn’t anything to write home about, with LOTS of white shoulders, and light colored fruit. However, berries are big and hard, so shelf life is very good. We are definitely seeing more interest for California berries.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

As the winter desert season hits its peak, there aren’t many changes to talk about. There continues to be ample supplies of lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, leaf items, and various mix items. This also means there aren’t many changes in the market, much to the chagrin of the shippers. Marketwise, this has been a miserable season for growers, as prices hit the floor about 6 weeks ago, and haven’t moved much at all. With Easter just a few weeks away, we should see markets picking up at that time on certain items, such as asparagus, strawberries, broccoli, and cauliflower.

Long range weather in the desert growing regions show continued dry, with highs in the upper 70s to low 80s, and lows in the upper 40s to low 50s. We’re not quite ready to declare the freeze threat is over, but we are close!

Trucks still abundant for all areas of the country, but with fuel prices on the rise, we have probably seen the bottom with rates.

 

LETTUCE–sadly, from a grower/shipper perspective, the market continues to stay on the floor. From a retail standpoint, it’s certainly time to take advantage and ADVERTISE! Quality is mostly good, with better size and weights, so it’s a nice time to show off the quality with those LOW prices.

 

BROCCOLI–we don’t see any hope for this market to pick up for another 3 weeks, at the earliest. Easter is a decent ad time for broccoli. Nothing like Thanksgiving, but at this stage of the game, the shippers will take ANYTHING to increase enthusiasm.

 

CAULIFLOWER–continued up and down market(mostly down), and a wide range in price. We are seeing as much as a $5-6.00/box SPREAD in the 12 size market, depending upon the area and label. Santa Maria continues to be the area where the best deals are coming from on cauliflower(as well as broccoli) because of its  out of the way location. Either way, this is a good item to shop around.

 

LEAF ITEMS–no change in red, green, and romaine, with the market fairly draggy on all those items. Quality continues to improve, as the weather warms. Believe it or not, there are still some effects from the freeze we had in DECEMBER. Those young plants that were hit were only a week or so out of the ground and are just now being harvested,.

 

CELERY–the desert is in full swing now, as well as Oxnard, and the market is pretty flat on the large size 24s and 30s, while the smaller size 36s and 48s are commanding $2-3.00/box MORE than the larger sizes. Quality is generally nice in both areas, so its a matter of trucker convenience. Dole continues to top the market by $2-3.00/box, depending upon the size.

 

ASPARAGUS–this market continues to be on the bottom, and should remain until Easter business kicks in, which won’t be for another month. It is important to note that one of the reasons asparagus remains low priced is the economy. Asparagus isn’t what you would call an “essential” item that people HAVE to buy. Not like lettuce or potatoes. That is worth noting and one main reason why the market remains flat.

 

STRAWBERRIES–this is the only item that is tight. Cold temperatures in the growing regions are keeping the berries from growing. We don’t see volume picking up for California berries until the first week in March. That means another 2 weeks of TIGHT supplies. Quality is only about “fair”, with large, hard fruit, but not much color. White shoulders are EVERYWHERE. Florida weather looks good for the next 10 days, but they could pull the pin at ANY time.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

Not much change in the markets for the major vegetable items, and there is one main reason: TOO MUCH PRODUCT. There is just too much product planted in the desert growing regions of Coachella Valley, Imperial Valley, and Yuma, and the markets just can’t get off the floor, no matter what the shippers do. Often times, they are their own worst enemy. They continue to pump out product every day, and when they can’t sell it FOB ,they send it to various terminal markets with NO price on it, and that continues to keep the markets depressed. Doesn’t make any sense.

Except for a slight chance of rain forecasted for Thursday, the next 10 days in the desert growing regions show normal temperatures for this time of year, with highs in the mid 70s, and lows in the high 40s.

Trucks are still plentiful, and rates are steady. With the increasing fuel costs, truckers are pushing to get more money to all areas of the country.

 

LETTUCE—this market can’t get off the floor. Shippers are trying desperately to raise their prices to at least a break even level, but with little success. Some shippers are finally saying they are putting a bottom on their price, and won’t go a penny less, so there is a bit of a price range for that reason. Quality is generally good, with better size and weights. Shippers definitely have to put their best product in box when conditions are like this.

 

BROCCOLI–this is like a broken record. Just too much product. Again, we point out that with supplies coming out of areas from Santa Maria to Virginia, there is little chance that the market can go anywhere. We don’t see too much change in the market for several more weeks, or until there is a weather change…somewhere.

 

CAULIFLOWER–more of a price spread here, with as much as a $5.00/box difference, depending upon the shipper and area. The shippers in Santa Maria are where the best deals are coming from because, with most of the trucks loading in the desert, they have to discount their prices to make it worth while to come to Santa Maria. Generally, quality is good in all areas.

 

LEAF ITEMS–slow demand and sluggish market on romaine and red leaf, while green leaf is getting and extra $2-3.00/box. Most of the supplies are coming out of Coachella and Yuma areas, while there is still product in Oxnard.

 

CELERY–not much change here. The majority of the celery is coming out of Oxnard, but Santa Maria and the desert are also pumping out increasing numbers. We are seeing as much as a $3-4.00/box spread in price for the various sizes, depending upon the area and shipper, with Dole leading the way.

 

ASPARAGUS–prices tried to get up last week for Valentine’s Day business, but are now back to the levels of the previous week. Right now, this is a GREAT time to advertise asparagus. Prices are low, there are plenty of supplies, and quality is VERY NICE.

 

STRAWBERRIES–with Florida having problems with freezes, there is a LOT of pressure for California and Mexican berries. There are quite a few ads out west, and not enough product to go around. Still, looking at the long range weather in Florida, things should get back to normal there and take some pressure off the west. We should see volume increase in California the next few weeks, depending upon the weather.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

Excess of product continues to flood the desert growing areas, keeping many of the markets on the floor. Shippers can be their own worst enemy. They just keep planting and harvesting more and more product, then can’t understand why they can’t make any money.

Long range weather in the desert growing regions show highs in the mid-70s to high 80s, and lows only in the high 40s to low 50s. These are ideal temperatures to bring on even MORE product. No rain in sight.

Trucks are no problem, and rates are at season lows for most areas of the country.

 

LETTUCE–not much you can say here. Just TOO much lettuce out there and the markets are on the floor. Quality is also no problem. Most shippers staying on top of their fields, and are packing green, fresh, product. We would, however, like to see better size and weights, but many of the varieties out there are showing ribby lettuce, lighter weights, with poor to fair head formation.

 

BROCCOLI–with product coming out of areas from Santa Maria, California to Virginia, its no wonder this market continues to drag on the ground. You can only push to advertise broccoli so many times, then you get tired of it. We don’t see much change in the broccoli market for several more weeks.

 

CAULIFLOWER–quite a spread in the market here, with as much as a $5.00/box difference on 12s, depending upon the shipper and area you pick up in. With this kind of spread, it’s worth s shopping around. There is product coming out of Santa Maria to Phoenix, and most shippers are doing a good job of packing their product. What we ARE seeing is fewer 9s out there, indicating the shippers are finally catching up on their fields. We could see an overall stronger market by the end of this week.

 

LEAF ITEMS–not much change. Red, green, and romaine are all now priced fairly close, not like the past few weeks where green was nearly double in price over red. Most shippers looking for business, and are flexing on their board prices. Quality mostly good coming out of the desert, as we are FINALLY getting past the freeze effected issues from December.

 

CELERY–not much business here, and markets have been drifting downward for the past 2 weeks. Even Dole is looking for business on various sizes, although they are still $2-3.00/box higher than the general market. The desert continues to pick up more volume, and that is why the market is trending downward. Still, Oxnard continues to be the main area for celery.

 

ASPARAGUS–good numbers coming out of the desert and the market has bottomed out.  There are quite a few ads lined up in the coming weeks, and that will probably help to firm the market. Right now, however, is a good time to buy grass, as the quality is top notch, and priced right.

 

STRAWBERRIES–with Valentine’s Day business, there isn’t enough fruit to go around in California, even with Florida going strong. Most of the product coming on in Oxnard and the LA/San Diego areas are committed for Valentine’s Day, and ANY fruit available that doesn’t have a price on it is $2-3.00 higher than the ad lids. Chance of rain today may hurt the quality in southern California, but overall the fruit is very solid.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

Whether it is the end of the month, the economy, too much available product, or a combination of all three, there just isn’t much excitement out there for produce. We’re hoping for better things to come in February.

Long range weather for the next 10 days in the desert growing regions show normal seasonal highs in the mid 70s, and lows in the middle to upper 40s. No rain. As far as the rest of the state of California, we are HURTING. No rain forecasted for the next 10 days, in the time of year where we do get most of our rainfall and snow pack. This is shaping up to be one of the worst years on record.

Trucks are abundant, especially since the business out there is so slow. Rates are flexible to most areas of the country.

 

LETTUCE–quality slowly improving, although we would like to see better size and weights out there. The choice we have is buying young, green, healthy lettuce, but small and light weights, or heavier lettuce that is older, harder, and more pale. The market is FLAT for head lettuce, and what shippers can’t sell fob, they roll to terminals, thus depressing the market further.

 

BROCCOLI–plenty of supplies and prices are low. Good item to advertise.

 

CAULIFLOWER–this market appears to have bottomed out, as shippers are finally catching up on their fields. We could see the market up $3-5.00/box by this time next week. You may want to bump up your orders for loading this weekend.

 

LEAF ITEMS–plenty of romaine, and prices are drifting downward. Green leaf is finally coming of its season high price, and is now more in line with red leaf. Quality is improving daily on all leaf items, as we continue to slowly get out of the effected product from December’s hard hit freeze.

 

CELERY–after weeks of high prices, even celery is finally coming off. Just no business. Still, there continues to be a pretty good spread in price between 24s and 36s, with as much as a $5.00/box spread in price. Now is the time to shop for celery deals.

 

ASPARAGUS–plenty of grass out there, although prices seem to have hit the bottom. One of the larger shippers told us that they are “drawing a line in the sand” and won’t go any lower, which is further evidence that the market has hit the bottom. Quality is VERY nice in the desert.

 

STRAWBERRIES–with no rain, quality of California berries are EXCELLENT. Big, hard, and terrific tasting berries are available in Oxnard, as well as San Diego, Yuma, and McAllen, Texas. Not to mention Florida, which is where most of the fruit is coming from this time of year. Still, you won’t be disappointed in California fruit.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com