It’s that time of year again, product is moving north, with only bits and pieces still available in Yuma.  Overall this transition has been smooth, although that all could change as rain is expected later this week.  Precipitation is not expected to be extremely heavy but a few days of showers could lighten production and damper quality on most items.  A cold snap is also expected to hit northern California which will slow development and cause gaps in harvesting.  There may be benefits to this, sluggish markets have been the norm for the past few months and light supplies will improve market conditions.  The east however is unfortunately still feeling effects of the hated arctic vortex so they are still buying light.  Trucks are readily available in good supply, rates remain steady and consistent with previous weeks.  Emissions laws and high fuel prices have resulted in 15% higher rates than this time last year.

LETTUCE – Huron volume began on a strong note, not because of more acreage planted but because demand has been sluggish.  Nice weather over the past few weeks has produced some better than average product for Huron, quality issues have been minimal, limited to some misshapen heads and red ribbing. Some shippers are reporting they will be lighter next week, and if we get significant rain this market could turn around.

BROCCOLI – Market remains slightly firmer, with most production limited to Salinas and Santa Maria areas.  This market could take off if there was more Eastern and Midwest demand, but so far sales remain sluggish.  Quality is ok, some brown bead and branchy crowns reported.  Easter ads are mostly locked up and availability should be consistent with last week.   Some large Huron growers have opted out this season because of strict water regulations, which will put more pressure on coastal regions.  If rain is heavy this weekend and east coast weather warms, we could see a better market later next week.

CAULIFLOWER –Currently not much change in the market.  Fewer quality issues with west coast product than we had with late Yuma crop.  Supplies are expected to decrease later this week, expect a slightly stronger market by the weekend.  Quality will get better this week as Salinas progresses.

LEAF – Available in Huron, plenty of volume. Fringe burn has been reported but weights are good and overall appearance is above average for this time of year.  Salinas has started with light numbers, mostly on romaine. Volume is increasing daily.

CELERY – Oxnard is in full production with good quality and consistency.  Shippers are reporting more volume on large sizes, creating a 2-3 dollar difference in price on opposite sides of the size scale.  Not much change expected here in the coming week.

BERRIES –

Strawberries – Most production is now on the west coast, with some remaining berries coming out of Mexico.  Florida has mostly finished up and demand is stronger out west.  Currently there are plenty of berries but demand should pick up for Easter and remain strong for the month of April.  Quality has been nice with strong outer texture and deep green calyxes.  Reports of white shouldering have been made, although complaints have been minimal.  Supply is expected to increase but coming rains could slow production over the weekend causing a supply gap early next week.  Salinas/Watsonville fruit is starting in light numbers.

Raspberries – Light volume in Oxnard and Mexico. Some soft fruit has kept many shippers from going east with product.  Volume is expected to improve in the coming weeks.

Blackberries – Volume is expected to be substantially light through the month of May. Overall quality has been ok on arrivals, berries are holding up and plenty of sugar.

Blueberries – South American fruit is finishing up and product is now coming out of California and Mexico.  Quality has been adequate, but the market will remain active until volume improves in California in the coming weeks.

ASPARAGUS — Much stronger market and expected to remain strong in the upcoming weeks. Mexico supply is diminishing with Salinas as central valley California tries to pick up the slack.  Easter demand has caused a dramatic upswing in the market, and shipper are quoting extremely high lids for Easter ads.  Supplies will continue to be tight through Easter and expect high prices in the weeks to come.  Quality has been consistent with previous weeks.