Weather around the country has been ideal  especially on the  West Coast where short lived high pressure has caused temperatures to spike in the 90’s but by the weekend temperatures are expected to drop into the 60’s. Similar drops are expected for other parts of the country.   Although sudden spikes in temperatures have temporary negative impact on quality the cooler weather should help offset any long term issues. This may help stretch out some local growing areas but if temps drop too low then it could spell the beginning of the end for the homegrown season.

West Coast day time temperatures are currently hot but long range weather is predicted to drop below normal later this week and continue  below normal through the middle of the month. Current Highs are in the mid 80’s-90’s but will give way to 60′s by the weekend. Inland Valley’s and deserts will also see a drop to below normal after the current warming trend.   Weather around the countries local growing areas also is  predicted to be below normal with low’s of 32 degrees and  below predicted for some of the upper Midwest and Northeast growing areas.

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 is  helping ease rates down slowly.  Advance notice will help in getting best value available.

LETTUCE-  Increase in production and strong yields  have lead to a softening market.  Yields  will start to decline as the weather cools  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.

BROCCOLI- Supplies are increasing as Fall plantings are increased to meet demand but with plenty of homegrown product still available the market has been overall fair .  Quality continues to be excellent. Volume  deals  are available currently but look for supplies to stabilize as the weather starts to  cool by early next week

CAULIFLOWER- Production has  leveled off and the overall market has rebounded. There are still a few available deals but cooler weather should further strengthen the market by the weekend. Quality is mostly good with occasional mildew jacket.

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 especially with current heat spell causing wilting issues  and shopping for quality is a must.

CELERY- Market has been stable with occasional volume  offerings.  Quality and sizing are nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Production will start increasing from Salinas as well as Santa Maria and eventually Oxnard  which will be  offset by the declining production in Michigan.

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

GREEN ONION- Production continues to increase.  Markets have been reacting downward as supplies have outraced demand especially  on smaller sizes.    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-  Increased supplies are expected but have not been enough to offset the strong Fall demand. Demand is expected to lighten up by the end of the week and supplies should continue to increase , including some local production in the Northeast just underway . This  will put pressure on markets which will likely head lower. 

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. The  current  hot weather will further soften the  fruit and add to the  widening range of prices. Most shippers  selling Summer fruit are correctly pricing theirs to move.   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 time temps return by the  end of the week and quality should start to rebound.  Oxnard production will start picking up  and will  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.

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.