WEATHER UPDATE
A fairly typical summertime pattern continues out west as a series of
low-pressure troughs move through. Coastal marine layer and breezy
afternoons will continue as the low and high-pressure systems battle for
control. Warm conditions with isolated showers look to continue across
Mexico as we monitor a couple of tropical systems developing in the
Eastern Pacific. Forecasts expect further development of these systems
later this week and bear watching closely. Scattered showers and
thunderstorms look to continue across Florida with seasonal temperatures
into next week.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks have been extremely tight and look to remain that
way for the balance of the week as we deal with Road Check 2018. The DOT
is cracking down on logbooks, equipment violations, and putting trucks
out of service. CA freight rates continue to increase. Washington
apple truck supply is steady. Idaho potato trucks remain steady as well.
The national average on diesel remained steady this week and is
currently at 3.285 per gallon. An increase of .721 from this time last
year. California prices increased slightly and are now at 4.003 per
gallon. Crude oil decreased slightly and are currently at 65.39 per
barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Bell Peppers (Western): Colored pepper markets are stronger, especially yellow bell peppers. Prices increasing sharply
Berries (Blackberries): Supplies are very limited and markets are higher.
Berries (Raspberries): Supplies remain limited and prices are higher.
Squash (Western): The market is very strong on the west coast. Light supplies and high demand on zucchini and yellow s/n.
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Onions: California supplies transitioning to Central California
Celery: Production in Salinas will begin in approximately two weeks.
Berries (Raspberries): We expect Salinas / Watsonville harvest to start in the next 2 weeks and gradually improve as we move forward.
Berries (Blackberries): Salinas and Watsonville will start in 2-3 weeks.
PEAK SEASONS
Citrus (Limes): We will be entering peak production and expect harvest to remain steady for the 4-6 weeks.
