It’s that time of year in the spring, where the vegetable deals move from the desert northward to Oxnard, Bakersfield, Santa Maria, Huron, and ultimately Salinas. This is not a particularly fun time for the next 2-3 weeks, as we have SO many areas going that you can scatter your trucks around the whole state, trying to find the best price and quality. For now, though, we will try to stay in the desert as long as we can, as long as the quality holds and prices comparable.

Long range weather in the desert areas show highs creeping into the high 80s, and lows in the 50s, typical for this time of year. No rain in the desert. When temperatures start hitting the 90s, we need to start moving northward. The “new” areas of Huron and Bakersfield are now getting rain and even some hail over the weekend. This unsettled weather will continue for the next 10 days.

Trucks remain available, but tighter, now that strawberries are picking up volume, and rates are climbing. For instance, we are now paying $400-500 more for a load to the east coast than what we paid 10 days ago.

LETTUCE–Huron and Bakersfield have started this week, as shippers look to move their crews and equipment north. The best quality still remains in the desert, and should be the best way to go the rest of this week, and possibly next, depending upon the weather. The market is definitely stronger than the past month, with prices $3-4.00 higher for wrap 24s than where it has been.

BROCCOLI–market has peaked out, and we should see prices start drifting downward by the end of this week. Supplies are scattered throughout California, with availability from Salinas to Phoenix, and points in between. There will be more crowns available, as well as bunch, so it will be worth it to start shopping around.

CAULIFLOWER–as mentioned last week, this market was pushed up too high, too fast, and is now backing off There is about a $4-5.00 SPREAD in price depending upon the area and shipper, so this is another item to shop.

LEAF ITEMS–not much change. Plenty of red, green, and romaine, and prices are still flat. We are looking to remain in the desert for our leaf needs for another 2-3 weeks, then move to Huron and then Salinas.

CELERY–market starting to go up, led by Dole and T&A. Supplies dropping off in the desert, but overall demand isn’t getting better. We will see a wide range in price this week because of the actions of Dole and T&A. We don’t think other shippers are seeing what these other 2 shippers are seeing, which is why there will be a spread.

ASPARAGUS–market MUCH more active, as shippers prepare for the Easter onslaught, which is what they anticipate. With Easter in early April, we will experience the tail end of the desert, and the starting of the Stockton/Lodi deal. Its been too cold in Stockton/Lodi, and supplies are holding back, so the pressure for supplies will remain in the desert. The shippers in the desert know that, and haven’t given very attractive prices for Easter, so if retails are set high, this could be a slow Easter.

STRAWBERRIES–rain hit the Oxnard/Santa Maria areas over the weekend, with as much as 2 inches recorded.  Most shippers have been stripping their fields this early week, and should be in better shape by the end of this week. Easter ads start to pull the middle of next week, so things should be tight for the next 2 weeks. After that, watch out. There should be PLENTY of berries.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com