Long range weather shows West Coast near normal this week with highs in the mid 60′s to mid 70’s with night time temps in the low 50’s. Inland Valley’s are predicted to be near normal.  The desert is experiencing their Summer time Monsoon conditions with below average temps and slightly above normal precipitation.   The rest of the country is averaging near normal temperatures and precipitation.   Truck availability remains good especially after a holiday week. Abundant supply should create favorable rates but fuel prices should keep rates from declining to drastically.  Advance notice will help in getting best value available.

LETTUCE- Production continues to be steady with good demand. Local production continues to be limited.  Quality is good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn.   Weights have been mostly in the mid 40′s.

BROCCOLI-  Demand for export and value added  along with slightly lower production in Santa Maria  has created an overall increase in the market ,especially crowns .  The market ended last week very active and should continue to be  active all week .  Supplies should improve next week. Quality continues to be  excellent.  Some of the regionally grown broccoli is reporting poor quality  which also has helped increase demand for California broccoli.

CAULIFLOWER- Production has slowed a bit while demand is picking up slightly. The overall market tone is good.  Quality is mostly good with occasional mildew jacket.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine and Romaine Heart markets have settled and appear to be stronger for the balance of the  week although there is  a WIDE range in  quality .  Most suffering from fringe burn, twist and/ or mildew.  Demand on green and red leaf has weakened but will follow Romaine as it gets more active. 

CELERY-The market continues to be strong.  Fair quality from Michigan continues to put increased demand pressure on Salinas and Santa Maria.  Quality and sizing are nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Production will continue to be on the light side until fall.

ASPARAGUS– Supplies from Mexico have increased and demand has stayed steady as the overall market has adjusted. Quality is improving weekly and is comparable to imports from Peru.  Market should stabilize once production levels.

GREEN ONION- Market has been active due to a reduction in summer acreage along with damage done from earlier heat.   Market will tighten further with recent rains in Mexico causing delays in harvesting and logistics. Once the weather cooperates look for market to settle.

STRAWBERRIES- Production from Watsonville / Salinas area continues with mostly small-medium fruit with full 95% color. Although overall production is down growers continue to have a hard time finding sufficient labor to strip overripe fruit with some getting in the flats which is causing arrival issues with most labels. Demand is very good for top quality but most, if not all, fruit will have issues upon arrival.    Most shippers are hesitant to go east with their fruit.  Cooler night time temperatures will help firm fruit but continue to expect 20-30% bruising related issues on arrival.  Some Santa Maria shippers have started to harvest their new fall crop of berries and Oxnard will start in another month.  Raspberry production from Salinas has leveled and prices are slightly higher for the best quality labels. Limited production of Blackberries continues to be shipped almost exclusively to the West Coast.  Driscoll will continue to be the preferred berry for the next couple months but expect to see a WIDER gap on quotes as demand shifts toward premium labels.

Produce West

www.producewest.com

Weather continues to be the hot topic or cold topic in this case. Weather from coast to coast is cold with plenty of rain amp; snow. Temperatures in most western growing areas continues to be wet amp; below normal with Snow storms throughout the Midwest and East making for an extended White Christmas season. As the cold weather in the West has slowed production , cold weather throughout the country has slowed sales.

Weather for most of the West Coast (64hi/36-45lo)  growing regions has been wet and cold . The deserts (68/39) have seen limited rain but have had a week of well below normal temperatures. Most locations have had frost with late harvest starting times which has begun the blister/peel cycle.  Cold but dry weather is expected to last for the next 3 weeks with only a possible brief  return to normal temps Jan 8-12th before dropping below normal for the balance of the month. Soil temperatures continue to drop below the range where normal growth occurs. Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have normal weather (72hi/50lo)  with occasional thunder showers the next couple weeks.

Strong Holiday business provided the demand for Transportation rates to stay steady and with some trucks not reloading until after New Years rates unexpectedly rose this week  but with lighter demand and supplies out west rates should roll back. With the weather in the Midwest and in the East in decline delivery schedules will be in flex.Plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

****WARNING**** Seasonal cold temperatures have resulted in harvest delays due to ice. This will eventually lead to blister,peel and discoloration issues on most vegetable commodities especially leaf and lettuce. 

BROCCOLI- Cooler weather along the coast and in the Central Valley and now in the desert will continue to have an effect on supplies.  Rain along the coast has degraded quality with widespread pin rot and water spotting making much of the broccoli not suitable to ship East. Central Valley supplies have also diminished from quality and production gaps.  The desert has been 1-2 weeks ahead of schedule for most of the season and now we’re seeing gaps in production. There will still be supplies coming from alternate growing districts such as Nogales, Mexico but  even those areas have seen below normal temperatures. The market will spike , especially on crowns , through next week.

CAULIFLOWER- With the cooler weather the cauliflower market  has unexpectedly NOT been overly active but look for that to change with the continued cold forecast. Quality has mostly been good with some reports of mold spots and bruising.   There are currently values on off size 16 count but even those will start to disappear rapidly

****WARNING****LETTUCE- Production has begun to slow and quality is starting to diminish. Bottom rot and now blister and peel issues will become prevalent , causing lighter color with discoloration on arrival . ALL shippers have contract clauses  that prevent inspections to count blister as a scoreable defect although if serious enough decay will become an issue which is scoreable. The market will likely jump initially but if quality issues persist then sales will start to slow. Order minimum quantities until quality improves.

****WARNING****LEAF LETTUCE- Similar to Iceberg lettuce , abundant supply will start to ease but quality will be the biggest issue with blister, peel and discoloration.  Romaine has also begun to be ribby which eventually leads to mechanical damage and pink rib. Look for the market to get  active  but shopping for the product least affected by the frost will be necessary.

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been limited mainly due to labor in Mexico but also with light rain last week  continuing with cold weather this week and the  lack of labor available needed to harvest the Green Onions the market has been very active with limited supplies. Cooler weather will assist in being able to hold the product in the field until sufficient labor returns BUT traditionally not until AFTER New Years. Even with the cool weather expect better supplies of small green onions by the end of next week and eventually jump into the bearish section of PWT. 

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but could start to slow with seasonally cold weather.  The market is steady locally but an influx in bulk supplies from Mexico have deals on bulk packs. Good demand  through the heavy Holiday promotional period should help maintain pricing especially for the retail packs.

CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been very nice with medium 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  demand will keep pressure on the market to remain high.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Supplies continue to be strong with good demand. Take advantage of good promotional pricing through next month.

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- Production is finally starting to increase mainly from Mexico and Florida. Coastal California production is still very limited with quality not suitable to ship East.  The market has begun to adjust until promotions start to get consumer demand peaking once again. Quality from Florida and Mexico is improving daily and shippers are optimistic quality will be sufficient for promotions. Raspberry production  has stalled with most production out West and the market is very active on limited supply. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.

Joining the team of Produce West , Larry Burk brings a dynamic energy and a sophisticated understanding of production agricultural marketing.  Larry previously worked at CH Robinson where he was instrumental in the formation of their Monterey division when CHR  bought out the highly successful produce procurement business Food Source in which Larry was a managing partner. We welcome Larry and look forward to “Growing our business for YOU” 

Weather forecast for The West continues  mostly sunny and warm throughout the state.Temperatures are expected to be near normal for the next 3 weeks with a slight chance of showers early next week. Only the desert is expected to have above normal temps.California Coast norms 68/46-50 . The Southern Inland Valley norms 80/52 and The Desert  norms 94/60. 

Transportation rates rose slightly throughout the week and are expected to continueheading higher into next week. Limited trucks due to Holidays and increased fruit has kept rates firm. Look for rates to continue to climb as we approach the Summer season.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

LEAF LETTUCE-   Romaine  production continues to be heavy with mostly good quality although occasional Blister and discoloration are still present .Green and Red leaf  supplies have been sufficient with good quality. Continue to monitor quality reports daily to ensure best possible arrivals.

CAULIFLOWER-  Production finally picked up after stalling for most of the Spring.  Salinas and Santa Maria Valley are in full production with excellent quality and promotional volume.

BROCCOLI- Production has shifted fully to Salinas and Santa Maria.  Quality has been excellent with the ability to produce ALL style of packs.

ARTICHOKES- Artichokes production  has peaked especially the preferred Green Globe variety in Castroville. Additional globe varieties are still available.Most shippers continue to actively pursue promotions on medium and smaller sizes and lower pricing reflects. Quality is excellent.  

As temperatures rises in the desert, it is time to transition to northern growing regions.  Items like broccoli and cauliflower have been available in Salinas for the past few weeks, and will soon be followed by lettuce and mix veg.  California weather is expected to be sunny and mild, which should help speed up development, easing the transition pains normally associated with this time of year. Some rain expected late next week, which could affect the back half of transition as the remaining items head north.  Freight costs remain steady, with slight increases expected for Easter pull two weeks from now.  Plenty of trucks available.

LETTUCE – Yuma product is finishing up later this week. Some shippers will stay around for another week as long as quality holds up. Heavy weights in desert product, a result of warmer weather. Although quality is good overall, there has been some bruising from the bulkier heads in the box.  Early reports from the Huron show- ok quality, although availability will most likely decrease as demand picks up in California.  Santa Maria lettuce volume and quality is improving daily.  Salinas production is still a few weeks out and quality is expected to be marginal at best.

BROCCOLI – Availability in all areas, although lighter in the desert. Salinas / Santa Maria volume starting to pick up, quality has been very nice.  Mexico is still growing as well, although be careful with quality, some branchy product and yellowing.  Demand remains steady, bunch broccoli has been pricier than crowns, which is highly unusual.

CAULIFLOWER – Yuma production is finishing up. Some quality problems include yellowing and brown spotting.  More volume in Salinas and Santa Maria. Early reports from the north show better quality. Volume improved this week, with increasing numbers next week.  Market expected to remain steady next week.

LEAF – Huron has started and early inspections show some quality issues including blistering and fringe burn.  Quality is not much better in the desert as Yuma production finishes up, including broken/red ribs and wilting.  Expect minor problems over the next few weeks, typical for transition time, especially if we get significant rains later next week.  Overall product is not pretty, although better than it has looked in recent years during transition time.    

CELERY – Yuma will be finishing up by the end of this month.  Oxnard is in full production and currently plenty of volume. Warm winter months have brought on plenty of product, more large sizes available.  Quality is fine, production expected to be strong at least for the next few weeks.  Demand should pick up as weather improves in the eastern half of the US. 

STRAWBERRIES – Focus is now on west coast fruit as Florida and Mexico wind down production.  Currently there are plenty of berries available in Oxnard and Yuma areas this week and next. If we get rain later next week in California, we could see gaps in production during Easter pull. Salinas berries have started, although very light supply, and no significant volume is expected for at least 4-5 weeks. Quality has been generally nice in California and Arizona, strong fruit, although some minor problems like white shouldering have been reported.

ASPARAGUS – This market is finally showing signs of life as we enter into transition time. Mexico is slowing production and California product is in light supply. Salinas and central valley have begun production.  Mexico production is lighter, quality not what it was a few weeks ago. High Easter ads have pushed the current market significantly higher. Expect production as a whole to be moderate at best throughout this week and prices to remain high through Easter.

Fall is  officially here this week but no change in weather is predicted for the Western U.S.  As fruit production starts to  slow , veg production  should start increasing slightly.   Weather will  start to have impact on the local homegrown products but other than an occasional  frost warning the recent weather around the country has been ideal for local crops.

Long range weather shows West Coast near normal this week with highs in the mid 60′s to mid 70′s with night time temps in the low 50’s. Possible warming trend predicted for the first week  of  October.  Inland Valley’s are predicted to be near normal.  The desert  has had increased humidity but should remain  near normal temps for the balance of the  month.   The rest of the country is averaging near normal temperatures and precipitation. The  Northeast could see low temps in the 30’s  by the end of the month.

Truck availability remains good.  Most Independents and  transportation brokers  continue to  solicit business which will eventually  turn into better rates although high fuel costs have kept current rates steady.  Advance notice will help in getting best value available.

 LETTUCE- Production continues to be steady with good demand.  Local production continues to be limited. Most shippers have been slowly raising prices and should peak early this  week. Currently quality is good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn but seasonal discoloration issues (russett amp; pink rib) are lurking.  This will have some impact on supplies but mostly on  arrivals .  Weights have ranged throughout the 40’s.  This  time of year it’s  best to have lower weights  to  help avoid bruising issues on arrival. Shopping for quality will become mandatory as we head into fall.

 BROCCOLI-  Demand for export and value added  along with slightly lower production in Santa Maria helped create strong demand  for broccoli.  The market ended last week very active but supplies  should improve this  week  and values will be available by mid week.  . Quality continues to be  excellent. 

 CAULIFLOWER- Production is steady to slightly heavier than last week. The overall market tone is good currently but anticipating slightly lower pricing throughout the week  Quality is mostly good with occasional mildew jacket.

 LEAF ITEMS- Romaine and Romaine Heart markets have peaked and lower pricing is  expected this week although there is  a WIDE range in  quality .  Common defects include  fringe burn, twist and/ or mildew.  Demand on green and red leaf has weakened along with Romaine .  Shopping for quality is a must.

CELERY-The market continues has been strong.  Fair quality from Michigan continues to put increased demand pressure on Salinas and Santa Maria.  Quality and sizing are nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Production will continue to be on the light side until fall although there has been the occasional volume  deal available mainly originating from Santa Maria.

 ASPARAGUS– Production from Mexico has leveled this  week and demand has stayed steady as the overall market should also be  steady. Quality is improving weekly and is comparable to imports from Peru.  

  GREEN ONION- Market has been active due to a reduction in summer acreage along with damage done from earlier heat.   Market has also been  impacted  with recent rains  and the observance of Mexican Independence Holiday delaying harvesting and logistics.  Supplies  should increase by next week which will eventually lead to lower pricing  as  we head into Fall.

 STRAWBERRIES- Production from Watsonville/Salinas areas continues to decline slightly. Demand  is very good for top quality but most , if not all, fruit will have issues upon arrival . Continue to expect 20-25% bruising related issues on arrival. Cooler night should help firm fruit but the plants are starting to look tired and most shippers are hesitant to go east with their fruit .   Santa Maria shippers have started to harvest their new fall crop of berries and Oxnard will start in a couple weeks.  Raspberry production from Salinas is lighter and prices are slightly higher for the best quality labels. Limited production of Blackberries continues to be shipped almost exclusively to the West Coast.  Driscoll will continue to be the preferred berry for the next  month as F.O.B.’s are already reflecting a wide pricing range.

Produce West

www.producewest.com

It’s that time of year again, product is moving north, with only bits and pieces still available in Yuma.  Overall this transition has been smooth, although that all could change as rain is expected later this week.  Precipitation is not expected to be extremely heavy but a few days of showers could lighten production and damper quality on most items.  A cold snap is also expected to hit northern California which will slow development and cause gaps in harvesting.  There may be benefits to this, sluggish markets have been the norm for the past few months and light supplies will improve market conditions.  The east however is unfortunately still feeling effects of the hated arctic vortex so they are still buying light.  Trucks are readily available in good supply, rates remain steady and consistent with previous weeks.  Emissions laws and high fuel prices have resulted in 15% higher rates than this time last year.

LETTUCE – Huron volume began on a strong note, not because of more acreage planted but because demand has been sluggish.  Nice weather over the past few weeks has produced some better than average product for Huron, quality issues have been minimal, limited to some misshapen heads and red ribbing. Some shippers are reporting they will be lighter next week, and if we get significant rain this market could turn around.

BROCCOLI – Market remains slightly firmer, with most production limited to Salinas and Santa Maria areas.  This market could take off if there was more Eastern and Midwest demand, but so far sales remain sluggish.  Quality is ok, some brown bead and branchy crowns reported.  Easter ads are mostly locked up and availability should be consistent with last week.   Some large Huron growers have opted out this season because of strict water regulations, which will put more pressure on coastal regions.  If rain is heavy this weekend and east coast weather warms, we could see a better market later next week.

CAULIFLOWER –Currently not much change in the market.  Fewer quality issues with west coast product than we had with late Yuma crop.  Supplies are expected to decrease later this week, expect a slightly stronger market by the weekend.  Quality will get better this week as Salinas progresses.

LEAF – Available in Huron, plenty of volume. Fringe burn has been reported but weights are good and overall appearance is above average for this time of year.  Salinas has started with light numbers, mostly on romaine. Volume is increasing daily.

CELERY – Oxnard is in full production with good quality and consistency.  Shippers are reporting more volume on large sizes, creating a 2-3 dollar difference in price on opposite sides of the size scale.  Not much change expected here in the coming week.

BERRIES –

Strawberries – Most production is now on the west coast, with some remaining berries coming out of Mexico.  Florida has mostly finished up and demand is stronger out west.  Currently there are plenty of berries but demand should pick up for Easter and remain strong for the month of April.  Quality has been nice with strong outer texture and deep green calyxes.  Reports of white shouldering have been made, although complaints have been minimal.  Supply is expected to increase but coming rains could slow production over the weekend causing a supply gap early next week.  Salinas/Watsonville fruit is starting in light numbers.

Raspberries – Light volume in Oxnard and Mexico. Some soft fruit has kept many shippers from going east with product.  Volume is expected to improve in the coming weeks.

Blackberries – Volume is expected to be substantially light through the month of May. Overall quality has been ok on arrivals, berries are holding up and plenty of sugar.

Blueberries – South American fruit is finishing up and product is now coming out of California and Mexico.  Quality has been adequate, but the market will remain active until volume improves in California in the coming weeks.

ASPARAGUS — Much stronger market and expected to remain strong in the upcoming weeks. Mexico supply is diminishing with Salinas as central valley California tries to pick up the slack.  Easter demand has caused a dramatic upswing in the market, and shipper are quoting extremely high lids for Easter ads.  Supplies will continue to be tight through Easter and expect high prices in the weeks to come.  Quality has been consistent with previous weeks.

Supplies  of  Western veg have surged with annual increased Fall plantings based on the  anticipation of increased demand from around the  country.  Although the Northeast and  Canada have had severe weather this Summer they are currently experiencing ideal growing conditions.  This may help stretch out the local growing season and delay demand out West  causing a  temporary excess supply situation on many core vegetable items .  This is the ideal time  to take advantage of some  special deals being sporadically offered.  Many  are predicting a healthy Fall vegetable  season  once the  homegrown season concludes.

Long range weather shows West Coast below normal this week with highs in the low 60′s to mid 70′s with night time temps in the low 50’s but warming 8-10 degrees through early next week.  Inland Valley’s are predicted to be near normal.  The desert  has had near  normal weather with highs in the mid 90’s   California along with the rest of the country looks  to get a  taste of Fall by October 6th with temperatures starting to fall below normal . The Northeast could see low temps in the 30′s  by the end of the month.

Truck availability remains good but fuel costs  have kept rates elevated  for this time  of year.  Most Independents and  transportation brokers  continue to  solicit business which will eventually  turn into better rates.  Advance notice will help in getting best value available.

LETTUCE-  Most shippers will start increasing their plantings to account for increased Fall demand.  Yields  will start to decline  but overall production will continue to climb . Currently quality is good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn but seasonal discoloration issues (russett amp; pink rib) are starting to show on arrivals.  Loading Fresh  lettuce is  extremely important especially this  time of year.  Weights are a  good indication of the  overall health of the  lettuce.  Usually you like to see weights in the  low 40’s  this time  of year.  Although the lettuce will be  slightly softer it should have a better appearance and greater shelf life.

BROCCOLI- Supplies are increasing as Fall plantings  are increased to meet demand but with plenty of homegrown product still available the market will be saturated for the next few weeks until supplies stabilize.  Quality continues to be  excellent. Volume  deals  are available.

CAULIFLOWER- Production continues to surge as Fall plantings  have increased  to offset lower yields and  increased Fall demand . But similar to  broccoli there continues to  be  plenty of production locally and the  overall market has softened temp. Quality is mostly good with occasional mildew jacket. Once supplies  stabilize look for market to firm back up by  next week.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine and Romaine Heart markets have peaked and lower pricing is available .  Demand on green and red leaf has weakened along with Romaine .  A  wide range of quality is available and shopping for quality is a must.

CELERY- Production appears to be  steady but improved  quality from Michigan has  weakened demand pressure for Salinas and Santa Maria resulting in the market being off slightly.  Quality and sizing are nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Production will continue to be steady from Salinas with most increases coming from Santa Maria and eventually Oxnard.

ASPARAGUS– Production from Mexico has leveled this week  and demand has stayed strong with overall  market  improving daily.  Quality is improving weekly and is comparable to imports from Peru.

GREEN ONION- Logistical issues  have been resolved and production is on the rise.  Markets have been reacting downward as supplies have outraced demand.   Supplies of ALL sizes  should continue to increase throughout the week and level off by next week. Quality has been inconsistent but should improve as supplies increase.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS- Production has be slow coming out of Central California and pricing has been steadily increasing.  Increased supplies are expected but may not be enough to offset the  strong Fall demand.

STRAWBERRIES- Fall production  out of Santa Maria is  starting to increase but the  majority of fruit on the market is still from weakening Summer plants.  Demand  is very good for top quality fruit but most , if not all, fruit will have issues upon arrival . Continue to expect 20-25% bruising related issues on arrival. Cooler night should help firm fruit but the plants are starting to look tired and most shippers are hesitant to go east with their fruit .  Oxnard will start in a couple weeks and help with  available quality .  Raspberry  prices are slightly higher for the best quality labels. Limited production of Blackberries continues to be shipped almost exclusively to the West Coast.  Driscoll will continue to be the preferred berry for the next  month as F.O.B.’s are continuing to reflect  wide pricing range due to quality.

GRAPES- The market on Green and  Red grapes is stronger as most shippers  are transitioning into their late season varieties. Quality continues to be  excellent  due to the  ideal weather throughout the  Summer season in the  Central Valley.

Produce West

GRAPES- Limited shipments from Chile and Peru have kept the market strong especially the Red varietals. Most vessels are sold before they hit port on either coast. Further affecting the market is a fruit fly threat with Chilean imports . Red globe and most Green varietals  quality has been good  with the best quality coming from Chile.