After a brief warm spell early last week, weather in the West is forecast for near normal with temperatures in the low to mid 70’s  along the coast, mid 90’s to low 100’s in the Central Valley, and Low 100’s are expected in the Deserts with possible tropical moisture coming from the Mexico.  California Coast norms 72/52-54. The Inland Valley norms 92/62 and The Desert norms 103/68.

Transportation rates continue to be steady. Overall supply seems to be strong especially for singles. Increased regulations will continue to put pressure on drivers’ logs and likely delay even the fastest trucks moving forward. Teams will become in high demand.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

LETTUCE- Quality has slipped over the past week with ranging quality, shape and size. Mildew, Fringe burn and seeders along with smaller size have reduced the availability on 24’s. The overall market will react even with moderate demand.  With only a month left in the Coastal production area quality will not likely rebound until new growing areas in the Central Valley and the desert start. There will likely be deals on the smaller 30 size lettuce.

LEAF LETTUCE- Romaine production continues to be moderate with many ranging defects from fringe and tip burn along with mildew and seeders. Green and Red leaf supplies have increased but with a wide range in quality as well.

ASPARAGUS- Limited production continues from Coastal Mexico and Peru.  The market should continue to be strong with limited supplies.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but with slightly smaller sizing.  Jumbos have been in short supply but have shown improvement this week.

BROCCOLI- Salinas and Santa Maria production continues with some increasing quality concerns.  Brown bead and hollow stem are the overriding issues which have led to a decrease in supplies. The crown market has been unusually active with strong demand from export and processors. Supplies may increase in coming weeks depending if quality improves otherwise look for continue pressure on the market.

CAULIFLOWER- Last week spike in production will lead to lighter supplies by the end of the week and into next as heavy first cuttings will leave less available for subsequent harvest.  The market bottomed out earlier this week and should rebound slightly especially the 9 count. Quality has been mostly good with some light cream coloring.

CELERY-   The market has improved as sizing and yields have declined.  Freight rates continue to prevent strong demand but Michigan production will start winding down and the market will strengthen.

BELL PEPPERS- Production in the California Central Valley and Coastal Valleys   continue to produce excellent quality.  The market has eased with Green especially smaller sizes. Red and Yellows have started with better volume and the market has eased slightly but still remains active with many local growing areas in the Midwest and East not at full production.

STRAWBERRIES- Production is starting to slow down after a strong summer season. Fall crop acreage is minimal from Santa Maria and Oxnard is still a few weeks away from seeing any additional volume. There is a wide range in quality with many berries being shipped close to market.  The market will continue to be strong for several more weeks. Quality on the new crop out of Santa Maria is showing improvement over the current summer plantings which are winding down.   Raspberries supplies have started to slow and the market has tightened as well.

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