WEATHER UPDATE
Cold temperatures will continue across the west with just a slight chance of rain as a few moisture starved cold fronts move through. Strong winds (20-30mph) will accompany these cold fronts as they move through California this week. Mid-range forecasts bring a couple of wet, cold fronts into California next week bringing some much-needed rain to the region. Mostly seasonal temperatures with a few isolated showers across Central Mexico with cooler and breezy conditions to the north. High pressure will keep Florida mostly dry with above normal temperatures through the week. A slow moving front looks to bring rain to the region early 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 3.027 per gallon. An increase of .455 from this time last year. California prices remained steady and are now at 3.658 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 61.90 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Berries (Blackberries): Some red cell and soft fruit has been reported this week. This is a result of the recent cold and wet weather in Mexico.
Berries (Strawberries): Supplies will remain limited in California this week with the cold weather. Florida supplies are very good, but quality is a challenge with the hot weather.
Broccoli: Cold temperatures in all growing regions has affected the supply base resulting in a higher trend in the markets.
Cauliflower: Cold temperatures in all growing regions are causing supplies to decrease daily. As a result, the market is trending much higher.
Chili Peppers: For Lent, hot pepper markets will be active. Higher demand on Mexico’s National market will create a shortage in export to the U.S.
Citrus (Limes): We will be extremely limited and market prices will be drastically higher for the next 4-6 weeks.
Citrus (Oranges): Strong demand keeping small size fruit limited in availability.
Squash (Western): Yellow squash is in very light supply. The market is very strong.
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Berries (Blueberries): Transition to domestic production will start by mid-March in Florida, followed by California and Georgia shortly after.
Berries (Blackberries): Oxnard and Santa Maria are expected to start mid-March.
Berries (Raspberries): Oxnard and Santa Maria will start harvest by mid-March and slowly increase production.
Berries (Strawberries): Santa Maria will increase harvest over the next 2-3 weeks. Salinas / Watsonville will slowly increase production over the next 4-6 weeks. Florida may come to an early end in the next 4 weeks if the hot weather continues.
Pears: We will see the first Argentinian Bartlett and Forelle pears in March. Chilean Packham pears and Bosc will arrive at the end of March.
PEAK SEASONS
Apples: Washington, Idaho, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New York are all in the peak of their seasons.
Pears: Washington is still in the peak of its D’anjou, Bosc, and red pear seasons. Chile is in the peak of its Bartlett season.
Potatoes (colored): Idaho, Western Washington, and North Dakota are in the peak of their seasons.
