Here we are officially into fall and we are already seeing a change in weather patterns.  There is a chance of rain this week and the real question is how much.  Some forecasters are saying half an inch to 1 inch and some say we will be lucky to see any rain at all.  This early rain is similar to last year, however we hope that the rain is minimal.  Shippers are still crying the blues of a down market and are hoping for any type of disturbance in the weather to stir up the market and create some sort of demand.   The East coast and Michigan are still producing cheap product and finishing out a successful year of local product.

Long range weather shows chance of rain Monday night and a more likely chance of rain Wednesday.   If we get a significant amount we could see some quality problems in certain items, as well as delayed harvesting crews.

Cross country truck rates are settling down into the low 7000 range for mixer type loads and trucks are available.

LETTUCE — Plenty of product to sell.  Shippers are loaded with high quality product and good size and weights.  If rain persists we could see supplies diminish somewhat because of delayed harvests, however we would need a high amount of precipitation to cause any such problems. It would be smart to take advantage of the low prices as quickly as possible because of possible rains this week.

BROCCOLI — Market has come off slightly from last week and shippers have plenty of product in the cooler to sell.  Quality has been good for the past few months and is expected to continue.  Maine and Virginia areas are still supplying the East will broccoli which have kept FOB prices low out west, but high freight rates have resulted in only slight interest in West coast broccoli.

CAULIFOWER– Shippers need to sell and are taking offers.  Quality is excellent and there are plenty of deals to act upon.

LEAF ITEMS — Not much change on red, green, or boston, and low markets.  Romaine is the only item showing any signs of life, although demand is still not up to speed. Quality is excellent across the board.

CELERY — There is still plenty of celery available and all shippers are looking to move.  Prices are low for this time of year because freight rates are high and Michigan product has been plentiful.   All sizes are readily available.  We expect this market to pick up in a week or two as eastern and Canada regions finish up and more pressure is placed upon west coast product.

STRAWBERRIES –Plenty of fruit available and quality has been good. Pro rates have been rare these past two weeks.  Driscoll berries are $4-$5 higher than other shippers, and quality seems good throughout the industry.  This week’s forecasted rain will tighten up supplies and we could start seeing heavy pro rates by the end of this week depending on how much rain we end up getting.

Ed Brem

www.producewest.com