Weather continues to be the story across the country with mild sunny days out West and severe cold in the Northeast. Lack of demand and continued steady production have made for depressed markets.

Above normal temps on the West Coast and Desert have warmed soil temps to necessary levels for growth even though daily low temperatures have been slightly below normal. No change in the forecast is expected for another week especially in the Desert where dry warm conditions will continue.

Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 63 hi : 40 low    Central Valley 57:38  Desert/Mexico 73:39.

Transportation rates eased only slightly as more trucks got back into circulation, although tighter regulations have continued with elevated rates from previous years. Teams continue to remain in high demand with the increased regulations.  Plan ahead for the best value and service.

Lettuce – Heavy shipments continue early this week with most shippers leaving acreage untouched.  Quality is much improved with most frost issues only minor. Many fields are as much as two weeks ahead of schedule with most shippers cautious about giving aggressive promotional pricing in fear of weather changing and quickly reacting markets.

Leaf Lettuce – Similar to Iceberg, Mix lettuce supplies have advanced two weeks ahead of schedule and fortunately most of the blister and peel caused by the frost have been reduced by the rapid growth. Green and Red leaf supplies and quality are also improving daily.
Asparagus- Production from Mexico is improving daily with most shippers converting to 28lb containers. Some shipments have even begun from the Salinas Valley. Promotional pricing is currently available.

Carrots- Sizing has improved but good demand has kept the market active.  Better sizing is expected as ground temps improve.
Broccoli-   Broccoli production continues to be good from most growing areas including Mexico. Supplies will continue to be plentiful until cooler weather arrives. With production up to two weeks ahead of schedule any change in weather will tighten supplies rapidly but no weather is currently forecast.

Cauliflower- The market has maintained adequate levels with moderate demand.  Historically supplies escalate early February.  This year should be no different with increasing production forecast for next week.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Santa Maria and Oxnard, Mexico and Yuma. It appears more shippers have increased plantings near Yuma and combined with above normal temps supplies have flooded the market.   Quality has been improving from all locations. The market has been soft in all locations.

Bell Peppers- Production from Mexico has been increasing but with good demand from all areas of the country especially Reds and Yellows. Quality has generally been very nice.

Berries- Production from all locations has been limited but new crop production has started to increase with warmer temperatures in Oxnard and Mexico. Florida has dodged through cold and rain and should start to see increase production as Valentine Day approaches.  Once the holiday passes the market should ease significantly barring any additional weather issues.  Raspberries production has been limited with increased pricing but Blackberries supplies should start to increase mainly from Mexico by the end of the week.

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been reduced with recent assessment of the December freeze damage.  Higher prices the past few weeks will continue with limited volume on smaller sizes. Lemon production amp; quality had been improving from Coachella and Coastal valley although the December freeze has reduced the quality and overall available yields as well.  Look for the market to continue to be strong.