WEATHER UPDATE
The wet pattern continues out west this week as a final slow moving system rolls through California. This system will bring significant precipitation especially to Southern California into Friday before exiting the region. A final weak system moves into Northern California with light showers possible in the Salinas Valley into the weekend. The pattern shifts to dry conditions and a steady warming trend next week. High pressure over Central Mexico continues with above average temperatures ranging into Northern Mexico. The Southwestern Deserts will see a slight chance of rain along with strong gusty winds and cooler temperatures as these systems pass to the north.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California/Yuma trucks continue to be 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 2.972 per gallon. An increase of .433 from this time last year. California prices remained at 3.641 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 63.40 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Bell Peppers (Western): Red bell peppers are still in short supply for 25 lb. packs , including choice grade. Volume increasing steadily.
Berries (Strawberries): Heavy rains will have an immediate impact on supply and quality. Market prices will be higher.
Chili Peppers: For Lent, hot pepper markets will be active. Higher demand on Mexico’s National market will create periodic shortages in export to the U.S.
Citrus (Limes): As we transition into new harvest we can expect to see more smaller size limes and less of larger size.
Cucumbers (Western): Demand remains high on cucumber
Melon (Watermelon): The market is very strong, light supplies on all sizes.
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Berries (Blueberries): Florida is slowly ramping up harvest. California harvest is being delayed by the cold and wet weather. Georgia is expected to start in 4 weeks.
Berries (Blackberries): California harvest is being delayed by the cold and wet weather. We expect domestic production to start mid April.
Berries (Strawberries): Florida is coming to an end. Mexico will have limited harvest. Oxnard and Santa Maria are getting hit with heavy rain, bringing all harvest to a halt. Salinas and Watsonville production will be delayed due to the rain.
Citrus (Limes): Mexico will be out of production for several days during the Easter holiday.
Asparagus: Obregon, Mexico should start the first week in April.
Bell Peppers (Western): Transition to Sonora, Mexico for hot house varieties on colored peppers.
Squash (Western): We have begun spring crop in Northern Sonora, Mexico.
Cucumbers (Western): Cucumbers available to load in Nogales from Sonora, Mexico. Also, Baja California will begin harvest this week.
PEAK SEASONS
Potatoes (colored): Idaho, North Dakota, and Florida Red and Gold potatoes are in peak availability.
Potatoes: Potatoes are in peak season
Apples: Applies are in peak season out of shipping points (Washington, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania)
Berries (Blackberries): Mexico production is ramping up for it’s Spring Peak over the next 2-3 weeks.
