As we approach November, one thing is certain; weather will have a huge impact on product availability and quality.  Not only did the early rains two weeks ago strain our supplies, but it put extra strain on quality of California produce, particularly lettuce and leaf items. The Yuma transition will begin towards the middle of November and markets will be strong up to that point.  Long range weather is showing mild temperatures for the Salinas Valley.  No rain in the forecast for at least the next 10 days.   Huron  will have similar weather as Salinas, mild weather with little or no precipitation.  Mid November is usually the time when days become shorter and rain begins, so expect the unexpected in the coming weeks.  Trucks are plentiful for now, as demand picks up over the holidays we expect the tables to turn and rates to climb into the high 5000 marks, but for now lets enjoy the cheaper freight.

LETTUCE — Lettuce may have a chance to get active as Salinas finishes up.  The last of the Salinas lettuce is quite poor, full of red ribbing, decay, and discoloration following bruising.  The early rains ended up causing more damage than was originally anticipated and the past few days have been full of rejections. Huron quality is looking okay, but the final prognosis is yet to be determined until product begins arriving on a daily basis, we will have to wait and see how the product holds up.

BROCCOLI — Quality is looking very good on broccoli.  The market has come down significantly since last week at this time, deals are out there, and it is look like prices should  will stay  put for now.  Be aware that demand could pick up for the holidays.  Buy heavy at the first sign of higher demand because the market will quickly become active.  Stay ahead of the game.

CAULIFLOWER — Demand will pick up as we near the holiday buying season.  Quality is looking good, nice white presentation and very little spotting.  Prices may creep up towards the latter part of this week so try and order heavy today and tomorrow.

CELERY —  Market is already strong as we near the holiday business.  Somehow the celery market has continued to stay active, FOB prices are well into the high teens.  Larger sizes are less prevalent, product just isn’t sizing up like we had hoped for this time of year.  There have been some reports of pith, possibly from the rain, but incidences are few.

LEAF ITEMS — Prices are rebounding from what looked like a bottomed out market late last week.  Demand has picked up again and larger shippers have adjusted their prices accordingly.  Deals are still out there however and smaller shippers are keeping fairly competitive pricing.  Mildew and red ribbing are beginning to play factors upon receiving, romaine seems to be most affected by this.  Green and red leaf quality is still holding up ok.

STRAWBERRIES –Driscoll continues to pro rate heavily.  Watsonville ended so abruptly that all demand began focussing on Oxnard, putting huge strains on supply.  Product that was  originally available had been gobbled up faster than the blink of an eye and availability gaps have plagued Oxnard fruit.  Quality is marginal at best, very small berries across the industry, but buyers are taking what they can get.   This week Driscoll will continue to pro rate 70-80% of orders.  Product is not pretty, but its all we have.