Last week’s rainstorms wreaked havoc on our industry, but luckily things are getting better and we can slowly settle back into our normal crazy routines.  Shippers are trying to keep prices up as long as they can, but the reality is there is nothing holding many of these prices up, and they are bound to fall, as you have seen over the past few days.  Keep in mind that the big name shippers are usually the last to drop their prices in a market like this, so be on the lookout for deals offered by many of the other shippers.  Salinas Valley weather is going to be nice over the next few days, with temperatures in the low 70s during the day, but dropping into the low 50s and high 40s at night.  With days getting shorter and nights getting colder,  there is less time for product to size up, resulting in smaller sizes across the board.  Huron lettuce and leaf items have begun, and quality is looking okay overall.   Yuma product will not start until mid November, so we have a few more weeks to stick it out in the north. Trucks are still very plentiful and California to east coast freight rates are in the high 4000s.

LETTUCE — Good overall quality, these past few weeks.  Some shippers have heavy numbers coming in from the fields and deals are starting to pop up.  Some quality issues include light weights and puffy heads.  This is a result of cooler days, product just doesn’t size up.  Huron product is looking pretty good, transition should be somewhat smooth this year and head weights will improve as the warmer weather continues into next week.

BROCCOLI — Good supply has caused the market to creep back down to where it should be.  Deals will be out there over the next few days.  Expect an occasional misshapen head, but weights are excellent and structure is firm.  Because of mild temperatures, we can expect nice coloring with little or no purpling.

CAULIFLOWER — Quality is excellent, plenty of deals are around.  The rain did not affect structure or color, and plants remain good and strong. Some shippers are reporting that although numbers are good this week, we may see less product next week as the fields clean up.  As for now, the market has come down to around 9 or 10 dollars FOB and should stay put for the time being.

LEAF ITEMS — Steady supplies into next week.  Although product is sizing up nicely, there have been a few quality issues to look out for.  Browning and russet spotting are some of the issues  reported on romaine.   Decay has also been an unfortunate factor in all types of leaf.  After the rain stopped it was followed by some very warm weather, creating humid conditions in the fields.  Mildew can arise from this, but quality controller are doing what they can to prevent it.  Just be aware that quality is not outstanding by any means.

CELERY — Most shippers are hitting their numbers in the field, and demand is just enough to keep Fobs reasonably high for this time of year.  As we head in to thanksgiving ads, shippers will do everything they can to keep FOB prices up and set at the $14.00 range and even though supply may exceed demand, steps will be taken in keeping the general market high through that time period.  Some issues have been reported such as pithing, but no other consistent problems to speak of.

STRAWBERRIES — Watsonville is finished.  The rain ended the season early with no hope in recovering to where it had been.  Sights are now set to Oxnard and here come the Driscoll pro rates.  Quality will be poor, as it always is after a period of extreme weather.  Bruising is a major factor in berries right now, and will be for the next week and a half.  Driscoll is not quoting acceptance final, but they are telling everyone to close one eye upon receiving.  Do not expect spring quality berries, and we should be happy with what we get.