Fall started last Wednesday, and we are currently in the middle of a heat spell, with temperatures hitting 104 degrees in southern Salinas Valley, where much of the summer and fall vegetables are coming from. This is not unusual.  Actually, we don’t experience much heat during summer months along the coast, but instead get out heat spells this time of year. Still, when they come, damage to vegetable and berry crops can happen. Burn on leaf, romaine, and head lettuce. Soft berries causing bruising and discolored calyxes, as well as discoloring on cauliflower and other veg items can occur. Fortunately, this time of year, the days are shorter and nights longer, so damage should be minimal. Still, the supply chain will probably be affected, and markets created.

Long range weather for Salinas/Watsonville areas show hot today and tomorrow, with a cooling trend starting Wednesday and into the weekend. No rain.

Trucks are readily available, with rates slowly coming down for various areas of the country. Due to our slow economy, there still isn’t much back haul business, from the East coast to the West. That is keeping truck rates fairly firm, for this time of year.

LETTUCE–still plenty of supplies in Salinas and Santa Maria areas, and the market remains flat. This current heat spell could affect the market, if product is lost in the southern Salinas Valley. We’ll see how things play out.

BROCCOLI–supplies still coming out of the East coast, which is keeping the market out west flat. Crowns, however, are still a bit tight, and commanding more money, than the usual spread between bunch and crowns. Again, the heat could put broccoli into “shock”, and there could be a gap in the supply chain for crown material by next week.

CAULIFLOWER–good supplies of 9s or 12s early this week. The heat could, and should, create a supply gap by this time next week. So, if you want to take advantage of the weak market, buy now.

LEAF ITEMS–good supplies of red, green, and romaine, although prices are fairly strong. The heat spell could also effect supplies of these items, as early as next week.

CELERY–not much change. Good supplies of 24s, 30s, 36s, and 48s. Heart 12s and 18s also available. Dole continues to top the market, and demanding $2-4.00/box more than the general market. We’re already working on getting Thanksgiving ads lined up.

STRAWBERRIES–the current heat spell could do some serious damage to the berry crop. Fortunately, the majority of supplies in the Salinas/Watsonville deals are coming out of Watsonville this time of year, and that area is closer to the coast, and cooler than southern Salinas Valley, which, as mentioned, is hitting 104 degrees. However, this heat spell will undoubtedly do damage to the crop, and we also look to see the market go up, possibly as early as this weekend. Get your berries IN and OUT QUICKLY.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com