WEATHER UPDATE
A series of moisture starved cold fronts move thru California into next week with cooler temperatures and strong winds. A cut off low forming off the Southern California coast will bring isolated scattered showers from Central California into Southwestern deserts and Northern Mexico late this week. Dry and warming conditions continue across Central Mexico this week as a surge of gulf moisture is expected to bring showers to the region next week. Florida will see a warm up with above average temperatures and mostly dry conditions into next week.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks remain steady. Washington apple truck supply is adequate. Idaho onion/potato trucks are steady as well. The national average for diesel remained steady is currently at 3.063 per gallon. An increase of .498 from this time last year. California prices remained steady and are now at 3.689 per gallon. Crude oil dropped slightly and is currently at 58.85 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Apples: Michigan is still going to finish earlier than normal between mid March and the end of May depending on the supplier.
Chili Peppers: For lent, hot pepper markets will be active. Higher demand on Mexico’s National market will create a shortage in export to US.
Citrus (Limes): Rains continue to slow production in Veracruz, Mexico. Supplies are limited and markets are higher.
Citrus (Oranges): Demand exceeds supplies on 113s/138s.
Squash (Western): Yellow squash is in very light supply. Market is very strong
TRANSITIONS AND TEMPERATURES
Berries (Blueberries): Florida and California will start with light volume by mid March, followed by Georgia in April. We may see some overlap in domestic and import production.
Berries (Blackberries): We expect new domestic harvest to start in California over the next 4-6 weeks, followed by Georgia production in week 20.
Potatoes (colored): Florida has started packing white potatoes.
Berries (Raspberries): California harvest will begin in 4-6 weeks.
Berries (Strawberries): Santa Maria has started to scratch the surface with new harvest, production will increase over the next 2 weeks.
PEAK SEASONS
Melon (Honeydew): Honduras is in the peak of its season.
Melon (Cantaloupe): Honduras is in the peak of its Cantaloupe season.
Potatoes (colored): Western Washington, Bakersfield, Idaho, and North Dakota are all in the peak of their colored potato seasons.
Pears: Washington is in the peak of its D’anjou, Bosc, and red D’anjou seasons.
Apples: All areas are in the peak of their respective apple seasons.
