As we start winding down another season, business appears  to be steady with ample supplies of most produce items. But historically  demand starts to rise sharply at the end of October while supplies concentrate on the  West Coast. If growers budget enough volume  and Mother Nature  cooperates  markets  generally stabilize after an initial boost  but if weather turns  extreme or even moderately above or below normal  supplies can be  affected causing extreme jumps in the market and extending into the Holiday season. A few shippers are claiming minimally reduced acreage for the upcoming Winter season and the  Farmers Almanac is predicting wetter than normal West Coast and colder than normal East Coast  expect a  few turbulent markets ahead.

Weather continues to fluctuate around the country. All of California including the Coast is expected to have a hot offshore flow this week raising temps well above normal  before returning to normal for next week . Long term weather shows a significant drop in temperatures by the 26th of  October through the first few days of November. Coming off a cold weekend around the rest of the country , temps return to normal (although “norms” are dropping a couple degrees per day) until significant cooling returns  November 1st.

Truck availability remains good but rates are stubbornly holding steady. There continues to be  heavy solicitation for business which will keep pressure on rates  to go lower eventually. As always  advance notice will give you the advantage of best rates.

LETTUCE-  Transition to the Central Valley will start this week with some  lettuce shippers having supplies  in both regions .There are a few shippers  who do not have a Central Valley operation and choose to stretch their Salinas Valley and Yuma districts. Early reports  from Huron show irregular size and some  quality issues due to overspray and/or tomato virus. Neither is  uncommon for the initial Central Valley lettuce crop. Best quality for this week will be  from  Salinas  but with warm weather expected throughout the week conditions  could change rapidly. The  market has gradually firmed up as shippers  are apprehensive about their transitional supplies. With a wide range in quality from both districts  loading fresh lettuce is top priority.   

BROCCOLI- After cool weather last week supplies have lightened and most shippers  are firming prices especially on crowns .  Warm weather should help promote growth and the market should stabilize by the end of the week. Occasional volume  deals  are still available on bunch.  Quality is  mostly very good  with occasional pin rot. Central Valley production should start next week which will also help contain pricing.  

CAULIFLOWER- Much like broccoli last weeks  cooler weather should help  slow production temporarily but inventories are high and warmer weather will put further pressure on the  market to remain weak. Volume deals are currently available. Quality remains good.  If enough “Hot” Deals are struck the  market may have a chance to rebound next week as  there are no new districts to support  and local homegrown production is nearing an end.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine  and  Romaine Hearts continue to  be  weak with lower pricing. Demand on green and  redleaf  is also flat. Wide range in quality . Similar to lettuce but to a lesser extent, a few shippers will  transition their mix lettuce program to the  Central  Valley by next week.  Similar wide ranging quality issues exist in the Romaine as in Iceberg lettuce. Homegrown supplies  are getting weaker by the  day so increased demand is  expected soon than later . 

CELERY- Market continues to be stable with occasional volume offerings .Michigan  is winding down production which will be  offset by start up production in Oxnard.  Many wholesalers amp; retailers have already contracted their Holiday volume which will help shippers firm their pricing in a couple weeks.

ASPARAGUS– Production from Mexico continues to be limited and demand has stayed strong. Quality continues to improve weekly. Supplies look to be on track for Holiday promotions.

GREEN ONION- Production has leveled off  and demand continues to be weak especially on small size Green Onions. Pricing on medium and large sizes are slightly higher.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Increased supplies and lighter demand has  prices headed lower. Although similar to Celery, demand for November promotions will likely prop the market back up  by early November. Take advantage of good values  while supplies last.

STRAWBERRIES- Production and quality continue to wind down  in  Salinas / Watsonville and picking up in Oxnard  and eventually Mexico via McAllen. With the newer districts increased supplies of QUALITY fruit the top end market should stabilize. There continues to be discounts  for West Coast quality fruit . Raspberry prices are slightly higher for the best quality labels. Limited production  continues with strong demand on Blackberries. New districts will also help supplies on Raspberry and  Blackberries.

GRAPES- The market on Green and  Red grapes is stronger as most shippers continue transitioning into their late season varieties. Quality continues to be excellent  due to the  ideal weather throughout the  Summer season in the  Central Valley.