As November approaches and days are getting shorter and cooler, it is time to transition growing areas from Salinas to Huron.  Of course there are always obstacles to overcome with quality and availability as we move to different growing regions, something we see every year.
Rain hit the central coast this past weekend, weakening the quality of many items.  More rain is in the forecast later this week, but as of now only a 30%  chance.  Temperatures are mild and nights are getting cooler, fall is definetely in the air.
Truck rates continue to sink closer to the 6000 mark and possibly even less by later next week, but with fuel prices expected to go up during the holidays, rates could bottom out in early November.

LETTUCE — We are now beginning the transition from Salinas to Huron growing areas.  Many shippers are now exclusively Huron.  Expect lighter weights, although this shouldn’t be a shock to the industry because Salinas has been producing lighter heads these past few weeks.  Huron lettuce varieties generally have more ribbed appearance and outside leaves can break and decay during shipment. Just be aware that these are industry wide issues.

BROCCOLI — Good quality all around.  The market is holding steady and has remained consistent with last weeks conditions. No quality issues to speak of.  Local Eastern operations are closing down for the season and focus will now begin shifting towards the west.

CAULIFLOWER — Cool weather has slowed the larger sizes and expect more 12 and 16 sized cauliflower this week with fewer 9s.  Quality is fine.  Some yellowing last week but it seemed to have been short lived.

LEAF ITEMS — the market still remains flat on red and green leaf.  Romaine had seen a few dollars more but there was not enough demand to really keep the trend moving.  Some quality issues to speak of.  Because of the extreme fluctuations in temperature these past 2 weeks the plants have been stressed, resulting in tip discoloration and burn. There has been some mold and mildew but product is getting cleaned up.

CELERY — Plenty of large sizes available and fewer smaller stalks.  Quality is fine,  Oxnard will start in 2 weeks.  Early Oxnard reports have been positive.

STRAWBERRIES — Our recent bad weather has not helped quality and availability. Much lighter supplies have been damaged by yesterday’s rains.  Reports have come out that if we get any more rain later this week the Salinas/Watsonville crop will be finished for the year.  Oxnard is starting now, however, there are very light supplies.  Supplies should begin to increase in Oxnard in the coming weeks, although if Salinas production ends abruptly, heavy stress will be put on Oxnard fruit causing hot markets and heavy pro rates.

Ed Brem
www.producewest.com