After 2+ months of crazy markets, things are settling down to more normal conditions. Head lettuce, romaine, green leaf, red leaf, and broccoli prices have come back down to more of a “reasonable” situation, compared to the record-breaking prices we saw. It’s tough to put out any kind of decent retail when these feeding frenzies are happening, not to mention trying to advertise.

Long range weather in the desert growing regions of Coachella Valley and Yuma for the next 10 days show no rain, highs in the low to mid 70s, and nights mostly in the low 40s to possibly freezing. Right now, it doesn’t appear that we will see much in the way of freezing, but that could change. An hour or two of freezing is usually okay when we are talking about freeze damage to crops. It is when we get 4 to 6 hours of freezing that problems occur.

After the past 2 weeks of holiday issues, trucks are now getting back to normal, along with the rates.

LETTUCE–good supplies of lettuce now, with size and weights more normal. After the past 2 months of crazy markets, it is time to think about advertising lettuce.

BROCCOLI–good supplies of bunch 14s, 18s, and even crowns. Again, this is a good item to advertise. Supplies are mostly coming out of the desert, but growers are still harvesting in Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard.

CAULIFLOWER–strong market. This is more of a typical roller coaster ride that we see with cauliflower during the winter months, when cold weather stops growth, and warmer temps bring it on. Right now, supplies are light, and prices are up.

LEAF ITEMS–good deals on red leaf, green leaf, boston, and romaine. Again, these are good items to advertise. Cold weather can turn things around on a dime, however, so it is important to keep an eye on that. Interestingly, romaine hearts are still VERY active, with fob prices in the $20’s. This is mainly due to strong demand for salads, which have more romaine in the bags than anything else.

CELERY–this market is still trying to find itself, after the past month in the $30s and $40s. Right now, there is a fairly wide range in price, with a spread as much as $8 to $10/box. This is typical after coming off such a high market. There isn’t a whole lot of interest in celery out there, but there isn’t much in the way of supplies, either. The desert is starting in a light way, which should help.

STRAWBERRIES–with the freeze in Florida, we are getting calls for California strawberries. It is important to know that January and February we basically have very few berries in California. Sure, Oxnard and Baja come in with some numbers, but, basically it is enough to supply the West coast, and little else. Don’t expect this area to cover the East coast and the rest of the country, when freeze or rains hit Florida.

ASPARAGUS–not much yet out here, but its coming. Small volume is coming out of Mexico, but mainly it is Peruvian supplies we are loading.