Warmer Weather = Better Supply

The Yuma area has been producing good quality product for the time being.  Desert temperatures are heating up with highs in the low 80s, and the lows are not going below the 50s.   Thankfully we see no more threat of freeze this year according to normal temperature averages.  With shippers still ahead of schedule, we have seen some planting gaps, ultimately resulting in lighter supply of certain items, but the hope is that warmer growing temperatures will stimulate plant development.  Long range weather shows steadily climbing temperatures into the mid 80’s in the desert this week and slowly dropping into the mid 70s next week.  There is no rain in the forecast for the next 10 days, which should keep quality and harvesting issues minimal.  Plenty of trucks looking for loads and rates are some of the lowest we have seen in over a year.

LETTUCE– Supplies are adequate for the moment, but we may see lighter supplies and stronger overall market later this week, and eventually leveling out as supply corrects itself. Weights are slightly lighter but there have been very few quality issues other than that.

BROCCOLI– Currently there is plenty of bunch broccoli and crowns available at competitive prices.  Broccoli supply will possibly lighten up later this week and into next as a result of planting gaps.   Compared to Santa Maria and Oxnard, there is better overall quality in the desert, and deals are out there.

CAULIFLOWER–Plenty of deals out there.  More 12 sizes available than any other size.  Prices vary from shipper to shipper, a good item to shop around.  Weather is warming up in Yuma so we will see more product and larger sizes as the week goes on.

LEAF ITEMS– Tight supplies as we enter the week. Demand has been high, production has to catch up.  FOB prices remain high but should level out toward the end of the week as the warm weather brings on more product.

CELERY–Prices have peaked and are falling daily. The shippers pushed their prices to the breaking point, and now retails are set high, and business has stalled. We should see prices drop industry wide toward the middle of this week.  There is plenty of celery around, coolers are full and deals are out there.

STRAWBERRIES– Oxnard is still getting a good shot of rain.  This is keeping production at very minimal levels.  Florida is still seeing its share of misfortune, and is seeing wide gaps in production because of the freeze last month.  With Florida’s production being down, there has been more demand for fruit out of Yuma, keeping prices high. The good news is supplies are beginning to catch up with demand as product continues to come out of Baja and we should see prices level out and possibly drop.

ASPARAGUS–Very tight supply right now. Cooler weather has been the big factor.  The largest shippers are only 60% of normal production for this time of year.  Shippers are overcommitted at the moment and not taking on any new business.  There are still some advertising possibilities, shippers are betting on the fact that the weather is getting warmer in the Imperial Valley and Mexico, which will improve production all around and hopefully bring us up to normal supply.

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