After record-breaking dry months in December, January, AND February, we are FINALLY scheduled to receive some MUCH NEEDED rain this week in northern and central California. The desert growing regions are going to remain dry, which is normal, but we are looking forward to a wet pattern for the rest of the state. We need snow pack in the Sierra Nevada mountains to replenish reservoirs and underground aquifers that farmers (and the rest of us) depend upon for valuable water supplies every year.

Long ranger weather in the desert growing regions show normal days and nights for this time of year, with highs in the low 80s and nights in the 50s.

Trucks remain plentiful, but keep pushing for higher rates because of the higher fuel costs that remain in the headlines and are topics of political conversations.

LETTUCE–a bit stronger, but nothing earth shattering. Shippers have been desperately trying to get the market off the floor, with little or no success since mid January. We have about another 3 weeks before we switch to the Huron and Bakersfield areas for the spring crop. Lettuce quality in the desert remains good, overall, with nice size and weights, and little quality issues. There are some fields that are behind, and showing some older appearance, and we are trying to stay away from those lots.

BROCCOLI–much stronger market out west, especially on crowns. Supplies have been so heavy for the past month, that there is finally a gap. To go with this, Virginia has finished, so this has now allowed shippers here to bump up their markets, and they aren’t holding back. However, we see this trend stalling out, by this time next week.

CAULIFLOWER–after shippers ran up the market last week, and retail prices changed, we are now seeing demand drop off and some flex in prices. It is important not to order too heavily this week, as we expect the market to be off $4-5.00//box by this time next week. Also, new areas of Salinas and Santa Maria are starting.

LEAF ITEMS–not much change. Still plenty of red, green, and romaine, and the markets remain flat. Supplies in the desert areas should continue for another 3-4 weeks, but we will see other areas start up the first of April.

CELERY–no change. Plenty of supplies in Oxnard and the desert, and the markets continue flat on the larger sizes, and a bit stronger on the smaller sizes. The desert should continue for another 3 weeks, or so.

ASPARAGUS–this deal is starting to wind down in the desert, and should be done by the first to middle of April. There looks like there won’t be supplies for the Easter pull out of the desert, or at least not much in the way of supplies. The Stockton/Lodi deals are very slow to get cranked up, so things could be VERY interesting for the Easter pull, which we have mentioned in previous bulletins.

STRAWBERRIES–supplies are starting to come on, but now with rain forecasted in the Oxnard and Santa Maria areas for this weekend. Then, Easter business will start in about 2 weeks, so this deal could “made” until after the first of April. After that, watch out. There are LOTS of berries out there.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com