Fall is definitely in the air, nights are getting colder, longer, and days are becoming cooler. Indian summer is nearing a close and more threats of rain are upon us.  East coast and Canadian regions are finished or finishing and more focus is put out west.  Thanksgiving is in the spotlight now and we are gearing up for the busy season.  Ads are being set up for the holiday demand.  Early Yuma crops will be ready as soon as next week and some shippers are getting ready to harvest various items as early as this coming weekend.

Long range weather in Salinas shows cooler temperatures for the next 10 days and showers scattered towards the end of this week.  Huron weather is slightly warmer and less precipitation.  Yuma is having some nice growing weather, temperatures are ranging from the high 70s to low 80s.

Trucks are still plentiful; however rates are getting slightly stronger as west coast demand picks up for the anticipated Thanksgiving pulls.

LETTUCE — Yuma will start the early stages next week, but the main volume and best quality is coming out of Huron.  Overall quality is getting better than it was two weeks ago.  There is still a little ribbing, but nothing near the problems of last week.  There is a chance of rain towards the weekend that could cause some quality defects.  Weights are improving, 37-41 lbs. for wrap 24s.

BROCCOLI — Quality is ok, supplies are getting tighter with better demand starting for Thanksgiving.  Central valley broccoli is in full force and should keep the market from getting out of control.

CAULIFLOWER — Tighter market these past two weeks.  Product is not developing in the cooler weather.  Supplies will continue to be tight for the next few weeks and demand will continue to increase which should spur the market up a few dollars as we head towards the latter end of the week.

LEAF ITEMS — Product is still coming predominantly coming out of Salinas.  Quality is ok, considering the range of conditions it has been exposed to.  There have been reports of some red ribbing and fringe burn from the cold winds, which is normal for this time of year.  Volume is adequate for the current demand, but limited due to the amount of poor quality product that is left in the field.  Market could get stronger later this week, especially if we get a reasonable amount of rain. We don’t expect the market for red, green, and romaine to go too goofy, as these are typical Thanksgiving items.

CELERY — Thanksgiving business nearing and shippers are preparing for business to increase.  Supply is heavy according to early reports and we may not see much of a market into the holiday push.  Quality is fine, all sizes are readily available.  Oxnard is starting up and filling an already flooded market.  Prices are not expected to jump until the end of next week.

STRAWBERRIES — Plenty of fruit this past week out of Salinas and Oxnard.  Quality hasn’t been  great, but adequate.  Rain is expected later this week and that could delay production and  result in pro rates and higher prices.  Still plenty of berries coming out of Mexico and loading in Texas.  Colder weather and longer nights will slow California fruit development, so expect the market to improve by the weekend. Driscoll is still the best way to go.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com