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

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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.

Weather in the West is forecast for mostly mild temperatures . Windy conditions that plagued the entire West Coast much of May seem to be settling. Temperatures along the coast are expected to be near normal the next couple weeks with an occasional spike on the weekend. The Desert and Central Valley are forecast for above normal temps for the next 10 days before returning to near normal with potential forthunderstorms . California Coast norms 69/50-52 . The  Inland Valley norms 84-89/52-60 and The Desert  norms 100/65. 

An early April storm has settled over California with rain showers continuing off and on through this week.  There is also a cold front on the west coast and inland valleys with low level snow and hail at sea level.  This cold snap will slow growth in most items, and the rain will slow harvesting because of wet muddy fields.  This will result in stronger markets industry wide.  A slight warming trend next week could create some quality issues for certain items like berries, leaf and head lettuce.  Warmer temperatures in the east should help demand as Easter pull begins.  Truck rates remain consistent with last week. As demand picks up next week we could see slightly higher freight bills.  Still plenty of trucks available into next week.

LETTUCE – the waiting game continues as this market remains sluggish.  Huron has produced above average yields and demand has been sluggish.  If rain continues, harvest delays could lighten supply and we could see better markets early next week. As for now, there is still plenty of product. Yuma production ran longer this year with higher than normal volume, filling the transition gaps.  Heavier weights and red ribbing are some current issues we have seen, although overall condition is good.

BROCCOLI – market could firm up next week as a result of the cold weather and rain. For now, plenty of product and sluggish demand has kept this market steady.  Supplies are coming out of multiple areas throughout California and Arizona.  Quality is fine.

CAULIFLOWER –Prices have bottomed out and could get stronger into the weekend.  The cold weather and rain will certainly have an effect on the next harvest.  Currently supplies are steady but shippers are selling out daily.   Demand is still below average; we don’t expect huge changes but more coastal rain later in the week may turn things around.

LEAF – Huron will be finishing up this weekend and most production will shift to Salinas and Santa Maria. Green leaf has tightened up slightly.  Romaine Hearts are getting very active, we could see a 20 dollar market later next week, especially if rain continues and production slows. There is a warming trend in the forecast following the storm that could create some quality issues like mildew, particularly on romaine.

CELERY – Not much change here.  More deals on larger sizes with a few dollar spread between sizes. Easter pull is expected to firm up the market and we could see some higher priced celery early next week.  The rain shouldn’t affect quality, although cold weather and muddy fields could delay harvest.

BERRIES –

Strawberries – Markets are soft, although current rains will lighten the supply. Florida has finished for the season.  Watsonville has started but in a light way.  Expect rain related issues moving into the latter part of the week. Heavy rains have already hit central California and more is on the way.  We should see lighter supplies next week and higher prices as we near Easter pull.  Warm weather is expected after this weekend so we will be seeing weaker fruit next week.  Expect some bruising and soft fruit in the coming weeks. California is the main production area, so these issues will be industry wide.

Raspberries – Light supplies overall.  Quality has been ok overall, but reports of soft, leaky fruit coming in from Mexico. Prices have leveled off for now but the market will improve as Easter pull starts next week.

Blackberries – Market remains active, volume is not expected to increase throughout April and into May. Sluggish markets in January and February created a gap in supply, and warmer weather in the south has hurt quality resulting in soft, leaky fruit.

Blueberries – With the Chilean season winding down, prices are expected to climb as California and Baja attempt to pick up the slack.  California production will not pick up until mid-April at the earliest.  Expect higher prices until then.  Once California production picks up, prices will level off and ease into May.

ASPARAGUS – This market keeps inching upward as we near Easter pull. Mexico is finishing up and demand has shifted north.  Salinas and central valley production is beginning to pick up but demand has been increasing daily.  Easter ads start next week and production will be light.  FOBs could hit $50 range on 28#, and if current weather conditions continue we may see the market get even stronger.  This will be a high priced item for the entire month.

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