We all survived the end of civilization and weather around the country is reminding us that now we can get on with the official start of Winter. Even though Mr Snow Miser is touring across the country his brother (Yes, you know ) is trying to hold onto his territory in the Southwest deserts, where most of our Winter vegetables are grown. In the meantime Hopefully we all get the opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family during the Holidays.

Weather for most of the West Coast growing regions has started to cool with the first frost of the season hitting the desert  yesterday.  Cold, dry weather along the Coast,  Santa Maria to San Diego will  begin to see rain in the forecast through Christmas before turning below normal again for an extended period. Normals for the coast range 63-65hi/38-44lo. The desert should see a similar pattern of normal temperatures (normal 68-70/38-42lo) but without any significant precipitation next week before falling 5-10 degrees by next weekend. Soil temperatures are also starting to drop below the range where normal growth occurs. Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have Normal weather (72hi/50lo)  with occasional thunder showers the next couple weeks.

Stronger Holiday business provided the demand for Transportation rates to stay steady but with lighter demand and supplies out west rates should continue to roll back. With the weather in the Midwest and now the East in decline and limited Holiday loading schedules be sure to plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

BROCCOLI- Cooler weather along the coast and in the Central Valley and now in the desert will continue to have an effect on supplies.  There will still be supplies coming from all growing districts but with much of the crop ahead of schedule and unsettled weather pattern  the market will continue to have upside. The quality from most growing areas is comparable but some signs of pin rot are still showing up on Salinas broccoli and occasionally in Santa Maria as well.  There are volume deals available but not as widespread as last week and will likely further tighten next week.

CAULIFLOWER- The market eased off it’s Holiday high but similar to broccoli look for the market to strengthen next week with cooler weather . There are fewer growing districts than broccoli so the market will be more elastic .

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been limited mainly due to labor in Mexico. Starting with light rain last week and now continuing with Holidays there is a lack of labor available needed to harvest the Green Onions. Cooler weather will assist in being able to hold the product in the field until sufficient labor returns BUT traditionally not until AFTER New Years.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but could start to slow with seasonally coldweather.  The market is steady locally but an influx in bulk supplies from Mexico have deals on bulk packs. Good demand  through the heavy Holiday promotional period should help maintain pricing especially for the retail packs.

LETTUCE- Production continues to be heavy with good quality. The cooler weather will eventually have an impact but likely not until the end of next week. Quality has been very nice on lettuce harvested ahead of schedule. Some quality issues continue to be reported on  lettuce harvested over mature mainly over sizing,  bottom rot and discoloration. Continue to monitor weights as the best guide to quality.


LEAF LETTUCE- Good supplies of all leaf  continue to saturate the market.  Quality is very good from all desert districts although recent isolated frost will start to have an impact on quality starting with blister and eventually leading to peel and discoloration.The effects won’t be seen for another week or two but may persist as cold weather dictates. Look for the market to get more active by the weekend on product NOT affected by frost.

CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been very nice with larger sizes becoming more prevalent.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to be  active with limited supplies coming in from Mexico and Peru.  Increased shipments should help supplies but strong Holiday demand will keep pressure on the market to remain high.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Supplies continue to be strong with good demand. Take advantage of good promotional pricing through next month.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good  volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

 STRAWBERRIES- Production is finally starting to increase mainly from Mexico and Florida. Coastal California production is still very limited with quality not suitable to ship East.  The market has begun to adjust and will continue to adjust until promotions start to get consumer demand peaking once again. Quality from Florida and Mexico is improving daily and shippers are optimistic quality will be sufficient for promotions. Raspberry production  has stalled with most production out West and the market is very active on limited supply. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.

And TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT !