As the Yuma season draws to a close, sluggish markets are a continued reminder of a dismal winter.  Too much product, too much snow in the east and Midwest, too little demand, for too long. As Yuma comes to a close, weather is warming up and affecting quality. Adversely, warm weather up north should inhibit quicker development in younger plants in Salinas and Huron, hopefully helping to fill the transition gaps we will be seeing later this month. Truck rates remain strong, although there are plenty of rigs available, recent emissions laws in California have resulted in costly upgrades for older rigs. We expect freight rates to remain strong, and increasing into the summer months as demand for west coast product increases.  Weather for the next 10 days remains warm and dry, with heat being the only significant factor affecting quality on desert items.

LETTUCE – the market has been too low for too long, and as volume drops and demand increases, shippers will not hesitate to boost up prices.  Huron transition will host a new array of challenges, lack of water being the main issue causing drops in overall acreage.  Expect the lettuce market to strengthen in the upcoming weeks.  Production is expected to begin in Huron later this month, weather has been nice which could speed up development, however planted acreage is only a small fraction of what it was in previous years.

BROCCOLI/CAULIFLOWER – Yuma will be winding down over the new few weeks and gaps are expected as Salinas struggles to keep up. Demand has improved and market is reflecting this.  With multiple areas currently producing, that should help keep up with demand, however we expect a stronger market as demand increases. Shippers are anticipating light supply in late March and April.

LEAF –Market on green and red leaf remains flat. Romaine however is firm with a few suppliers flexing on price. The weights are reported to be good on all leaf items. Some blister peel and fringe burn upon arrivals. There have been some seeder issues in the romaine. Recent rains and warming temps are all factors that will continue affecting quality.

CELERY – plenty of supply, less demand, cheap celery. Deals are everywhere and everyone is your friend….for now.  Warm weather could bring on some seeder issues, don’t be surprised if this becomes a larger problem in weeks to come. Pricing should stay flat through the week.  Shippers are looking to move on all sizes. More large size available, especially 24’s.

STRAWBERRIES – Main region is now Oxnard/Santa Maria.  The recent rains set back production last week, but supply is rebounding. Quality is ok overall, some softer fruit, but good color. Some white shoulders; and green tips, typical for the time of year. Warm days and cool nights should bring on a lot of nice fruit, and we are expecting nice weather for the next 10 days in California.  A storm is expected in Florida and their supplies should be winding down by the end of March or the first part of April. Mexico supplies will also be drying up. Oxnard / Santa Maria supply is improving daily.

ASPARAGUS – Still coming out of Mexico, California and Peru. Mexico will begin to wind down in the upcoming weeks and put pressure on California product.  Supply is expected to be short in April. Easter ads are very pricey if you can get them at all.