This time of year is all about the weather .  Most growers  over budget their production in case of disruptive weather. This year is no exception although there are a few growers reporting a slight cutback in acres due to poor returns last Winter. The overproduction combined with normal weather usually produces bumper crops which is the situation currently in the desert. Not til late December is the weather expected to drop below normal. As a result expect plenty of produce for the Christmas Holiday. Although nothing in the forecast but if cold weather does come it may affect availability for New Years promotions but we’ll update that in the coming weeks. In the meantime get out and do some Holiday shopping.

After a wet (2-5″) weekend along to coast the weather in Californiagrowing districts is predicted to be slightly above normal (65/40-44 Coast ) through most of December  with only a few rain events forecast along the coast . The desert is predicted to be dry and also slightly above normal (70/42 Desert) for December with no severe lows currently forecast

Rates  continue to ease sligh tly  before stronger Holiday demand kicks in by the end of the week. Plan ahead to get the best value and service.

LETTUCE-  Yuma quality is good and abundant. There will be strong supplies this week and shippers  will be  motivated to sell. Color, sizing and weight are all ideal..

BROCCOLI- Supplies of broccoli continue to increase with crowns likely to become more available as most growers are now breaking into their new fields.  Broccoli continues to be grown in multiple districts (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley ,Yuma and Mexico) . Yuma tends  to be  the most convenient and centralized  loading location and prices generally reflect. There continues to be  plenty of broccoli available in Northern California .  Heavy discounts for volume are being offered but there is the risk of water spotting and pin rot due to the heavy rains over the weekend along the northern coast. The  desert is the  recommended loading location currently. .

CAULIFLOWER-    Salinas and Santa Maria continue to be the primary growing regions and  production has yet to fully get underway in the desert. There is currently light supplies of cauliflower on the market but look for additional supplies as the week progresses as conditions improve in the desert.

LEAF ITEMS-   Good growing conditions have resulted in ample supplies of all leaf  . There is  also a strong supply of Hearts.  Markets should remain steady  through the next couple weeks. Quality is very nice in the desert.

CELERY-  Most shippers  have started their southern production in either Oxnard or the desert .  The shippers who don’t grow in the desert continue to transfer Celery to their desert loading facilities for convenience.  This creates a wide range in markets during the Winter season. Best deals will come from  Oxnard  although heavy rains will delay harvest over the next few days . Look for larger sizes  to become more prevalent next week..

ASPARAGUS–  Mexican production has been steady.  Market is  expected to remain steady as well.

GREEN ONION-   There continues to be an abundant supply of Green Onions on the market especially small sizes Pricing on larger sizes is slightly higher  but look for more uniform pricing as we get closer to the Christmas Holiday demand.

CARROTS- Recent rains may affect harvest but above normal weather forecast should help get production back on track .  Market should remain active through the Holidays with heavy promotions.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Supplies look to continue to be strong.  The  market is repeating its’ performance from early November with a good supply and a weakening market but  significant  promotions for the Holiday will again tighten the market rapidly.  Take advantage of promotional pricing before and during the Christmas Holiday.

STRAWBERRIES-  Heavy rains along the coast have wiped out production  for most of this week .  Mexico will be  the primary source of fruit until fields can recover. Florida fruit is in it’s early stages and will be  limited  Although Oxnard should recover by next week supplies  will be limited everywhere for the next 3 weeks. . Raspberries production will be  setback due to the coastal rains as well. Blackberries primarily from Mexico have increased and continue offer a good value.