Weather Update
A strong high pressure system out west continues to deflect storm systems to the north with temperatures will above seasonal averages. A couple of dry cold fronts move through California late this week into the weekend. This will bring a slight cool down along with some strong gusty winds to Southern California and the Desert regions into early next week. Light scattered showers continue across Central Mexico with warm mornings under the increased humidity. A weak cold front moves into Florida today with light scattered showers possible into Thursday. A stronger slow moving system enters the state on Monday with moderate precipitation mainly in the northern half of the state.
Freight Update
California trucks remain steady. Washington apple truck supply is adequate. Idaho onion/potato trucks remain tight. The national average for diesel remained steady is currently at 3.086 per gallon. An increase of .528 from this time last year. California prices were up slightly and are now at 3.711 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 63.92 per barrel.
What you Should Know
Apples: Washington is still short on large Granny Smith apples. Michigan is still expecting an early finish to their season which could bring a much earlier shift to Washington for many eastern receivers.
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 (Oranges): Small Navel Oranges, 113’s and smaller, are in an extreme supply shortage situation.
Cucumbers (Eastern): Very good supply
Eggplant (Eastern): Wide range of quality in eggplant from shipper to shipper.
Squash (Eastern): Supplies are going to get tighter
Squash (Western): Yellow squash is in very light supply. Market is very strong
Transitions and Temperatures
Berries (Blueberries): Domestic production is expected to start over the next 3-5 weeks.
Berries (Blackberries): Southern California growing are expected to pick up production over the next 3-5 weeks.
Berries (Raspberries): We expect southern California production to begin over the next 4-5 weeks.
Berries (Strawberries): Santa Maria will start soon with new spring harvest.
Asparagus: Domestic asparagus from Gonzales, California has started.
Peak Seasons
Melon (Honeydew): Honduras is still in the peak of its season.
Melon (Cantaloupe): Honduras is still in the peak of its Cantaloupe season.
Apples: All areas are still in the peak of their apple seasons.
Pears: Washington is in the peak of its D’anjou, Bosc, and red pear seasons.
Potatoes (colored): Bakersfield is still in the peak of its red and gold potato season. Idaho, North Dakota, and western Washington are in the peak of their red and gold potato seasons.
Squash (Eastern): Squash is not in peak availability.
Eggplant (Eastern): Eggplant is in peak supply.
Cucumbers (Eastern): Cucumbers are in good supply.
Bell Peppers (Eastern): Bell Pepper is in peak availability.
Asparagus: Asparagus from Caborca, and San Luis Mexico is moving into it’s peak production.
