Desert in Full Swing

Even though we have been loading much of the Winter vegetables in the desert areas of Coachella Valley, Imperial Valley, and Yuma areas for the past month, we were missing 2 items from a full arsenal, and those were strawberries and celery. We are now getting both of those items crossing from Mexico, giving us a full plate of product available to load in those areas. That certainly helps with loading of trucks, allowing us to get better freight rates and getting the trucks out in a more timely manner.
The weather for the next 10 days in the desert areas show gradual warming and NO freeze. As we get deeper into January, the threat of freeze becomes less and less. So far, as we have reported, there have been a few days that we have experienced freeze and basically very little effects on product, with a few touches of epidermal peel, blister, and discoloration. This Winter, compared to most Winters in the past have been relatively MINOR. The weather for the next 10 days for Oxnard and Santa Maria shows rain and threats of rain forecasted.
Plenty of trucks, and rates are negotiable, although trucker balk at rates that are offered too low.

LETTUCE–market hanging tough. The fob has been hovering around $20, and looks to hang in most of this week. We reported several weeks ago that the lettuce market could be active the whole month of January, and it looks like it could go that way. However, warmer weather is coming in the desert ,and that should help bring on supplies. Still, most shippers say that they are 2-3 weeks AHEAD of harvesting schedule, so that may offset any additional supplies expected as the weather warms. Quality-wise, we are seeing more “puffy” heads, irregular head size,and lighter weights.

BROCCOLI–overall strong market. There ARE shippers that are flexing a bit with their prices, so we may see a pretty good range in prices this week on both bunch and crowns. This is an item you may want to shop around for the best deal. Quality is pretty good overall, with little discoloration.

CAULIFLOWER–we knew this was coming. The shippers pushed this market to the roof last week and now retails are set high, and there is very little business. The market has already dropped $3-5.00/box compared to last week at this time, and we are expecting more. It is important to buy light and not get caught with too much high priced product. We are also buying with market protection.

LEAF ITEMS–not much change. Still a wide range in price in red, green, and romaine. This is another one you might want to shop around.

CELERY–oh, to have a 1/2 acre of celery in your back yard. This market keeps hanging in tough at $23-25.00 FOB. But, now that the desert has kicked in, supplies should pick up and we could possibly see the market start to drift downward.

STRAWBERRIES–Florida has caught some cold weather, which is resulting in more action out West. Looking ahead the next 10 days, we see rain coming in to the berry country of Oxnard and Santa Maria. That is bound to create problems with supply shortages and quality. Stay tuned.

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