An overabundant supply is the general theme to most vegetable items in the concentrated winter growing areas in Desert Southwest andMexico. Many items are 1-2 weeks ahead of budgeted harvest schedule but changes in the weather forecast may slow production and may impact supplies in coming weeks.  Unfortunately the perishable nature of produce won’t allow for stockpiling supplies but aggressive purchasing and planning will be needed to insure fillingHoliday orders.

Weather for most of the West Coast has been mild but forecast calls for a major change in temperatures…..

Weather forecast DESERTS of SE CA amp; ARIZONA for Mon Dec 2nd thru Mon Dec 16th, 2013

Temps above seasonal averages today (Mon 71 to 78 degs), cooling up to 20 degs mid to late week as the anticipated unseasonably cold trof of Arctic origin envelopes much of theWestern US.  Wind gusts increase late tonight/early Tue up to 45 mphSECAand 30 mph elsewhere.  Winds increase Tue afternoon gusting to 60 mph SE CA and 50 mph western AZ.  Chance for isolated showers late TueSE CA.  Much cooler temps Wed, 56 to 65 degs cooling further Thu, 52 to 59 degs.  Light lettuce ice Wed easternYumavalleys, becoming widespread moderate to severe Thu.  Moderate-heavy to severe lettuce ice Fri as lows cool a few more degs, while max temps stay relatively the same.

OUTLOOK: Expect widespread lettuce ice from Sat Dec 7 thru Tue Dec 10 as a series of cold trofs from the Arctic pass thru the deserts, reinforcing the unseasonably cool temps.  Little change in max temps Sat – Sun Dec 7^th - 8^th as another trof passes.  Temps remain unseasonably cool Mon – Wed Dec 9^th - 11^th despite warming to the mid to upper 60’s while lows stay cold upper 20’s – upper 30’s.  High pressure builds from Thu – Sun Dec 12^th - 15^th warming max temps well into the 70’s and lows upper 30’s to mid-40s. Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 63 hi : 42 low    Central Valley 60:40  Desert/Mexico 71:40.

Transportation rates continue to be relatively steady. There are some signs rates will ease this week but withHoliday demand and regulations scheduled to be enforced Jan 1 truck rates look to stay above previous years. Teams continue to remain in high demand with the increased regulations.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

 Lettuce –  Heavy production and postHoliday demand has kept the market flat. Limited labor seems to be the only thing keeping the market from completely bottoming out.  Look for tightening supplies with cooler temps forecast.

Leaf Lettuce – Romaine production continues to be steady with the best quality available in the desert.   Green and Red leaf supplies are also steady but with a wider range in quality.

Asparagus- Production from Coastal Mexico andPeru continues to be moderate. Increased production was predicted but with the change in the weather forecast look for continued light supplies.

 Carrots- Sizing has improved but good demand has kept the market active.  Cooler temps will likely result in smaller sizing moving forward.

Broccoli-   Broccoli production has peaked with most fields 2 weeks ahead of budget.  Great values on bunch and crowns can be found with even the top labels but with the change in the weather forecast broccoli will be one of the first items to be affected. Fortunately broccoli is grown in many areas (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley, Yuma and Mexico) which will help reduce the affect of the weather.  Quality is much better and should continue to improve daily.

Cauliflower- Similar to broccoli, production has jumped significantly. The market looks to bottom out this week with cooler temps slowing production. With fewer growing areas Cauliflower will be much more significantly affected by change in the weather.  Quality has improved but still some issues with discoloration and bruising.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Santa Maria and Oxnard.  Quality has been good. The market is slightly easier with a few more shippers willing to deal from inventoried supplies. Pricing in Yuma will continue to be elevated as most celery is transferred for mixer business.  Cooler weather will also impact supplies.

Bell Peppers- Production from the Deserts andMexico have been steadily increasing but with good demand to match especially the Reds and Yellows. Quality has generally been very nice but could be impacted by possible freezing temps scheduled for next week.

Berries- Supplies fromOxnard have peaked and with possible rain and cooler temps forecast for later this week supplies will further tighten out West.Florida and volume fromMcAllen have been limited but should start to increase weekly.  The market has been active for good fruit that can travel but all fruit will have a degree of bruising and water damage along with a range of coloring. Look for the market to continue to be active untilFlorida andMexico can replace production  from the West. Lighter supplies on Blackberries and Raspberries will continue with increased pricing.

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been good with very good sizing and flavor profiles. Lemon production appears to be increasing as Coachella and Coastal valley volume and quality are improving daily.