As the weather around the  country  starts  to  moderate there continues  to be surging wave of demand  as most locally produced items are experiencing less than ideal quality and yields.  This leads to customers having to periodically “outsource” product from the  West Coast.  Combined with the reduction in Summer planting this wave has kept prices elevated.  Look for this trend to continue for the next couple weeks.

Long range weather shows little change on the  West Coast  with continued normal to below normal pattern for the coastal regions and  slightly above normal  temperatures  for the inland valley’s  and deserts.  The  rest of the  country looks  to be  getting back to “normal”.

Trucks continue to be tight for most areas on the country, especially to the east coast mainly from the lack of backhauls.   Look for rates  to drop in the  coming weeks although diesel prices have stabilized which should help stabilize rates.

LETTUCE-  Production continues to be steady with good demand. Local production continues to be limited .  Quality is good  in Salinas with occasional discolored wrapper leaf.  Weights  have been  mostly in the mid 40′s.  Market appears to be  stable with upside due to  lack of local  product.

BROCCOLI–Quality continues to be good to excellent. Occasional large stalk with hollow stem.   Market has held steady  with  moderate  production coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria. Broccoli on the east coast has been affected the  least by the weather. The  market appears to be  flat for the  next 7-10 days  with possible  improvement by the  end of next week.

CAULIFLOWER– Production cycle has begun to slow down . Lighter supplies  will  lead to  improved demand for the balance of the  week. Look for the market to react then likely cap out as prices escalate past merchandising levels.  Weather has been ideal for excellent quality although occasional brown/black spotting on the curd. Continued lighter plantings planned for next month should help keep market active.

LEAF ITEMS–    Production continues to be moderate and demand has  been good with occasional surges from the east coast. Romaine Hearts continue to be strong everywhere.  Depending on the  quality of the Ohio, Jersey, and  Eastern Canadian production areas , prices  will continue to ride the Ferris wheel throughout the Summer  as demand  and quality ebb and flow.

CELERY– Production has leveled  and the market seems  to have settled but continues to be strengthened by the lack of local production . Quality on California  celery continues to be good with  few  quality issues to report.

STRAWBERRIES–   Production continues at peak levels for the Salinas/Watsonville area.  Quality  ranges from fair to excellent.  The best quality continues to come from the cooler coastal climates. Even with the  best expect some bruising on arrival .  Demand  has been very good with heavy promotions.   Raspberry production is moderating from Salinas/ Santa Maria, with a wide range in quality.  Continued promotions will keep  the  market active . Blackberries are extremely  limited  with most production being shipped to nearby markets.

ASPARAGUS – Limited imports from  Mexico & Peru have kept supplies  tight and the demand  limited  but strong. 

ARTICHOKES- Continue light to moderate volume on mostly seeded varieties.  These varieties generally produce larger sizes. Quality is mostly nice and  market has reacted on the large sizes with a few  mid summer promotions .