WEATHER UPDATE
High pressure builds out west with substantial warming into next week. Marine layer returns to coastal fields early next week as the storm track remains to the north. Southwestern desert regions warm under high pressure with strong winds into the weekend. Temperatures cool across Central Mexico this week as a cold front moves through with scattered showers into the weekend. Gradual warming next week as high pressure returns. A cold front moves into Florida on Friday slowly moving through the state with rain exiting by Monday with heaviest precipitation expected in the northern half of the state.
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 rose slightly and is currently at 3.010 per gallon. An increase of .478 from this time last year. California prices remained steady and are at 3.669 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 65.85 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Berries (Blueberries): Supplies are tighter and markets are higher this week.
Berries (Raspberries): Supplies are limited and markets are higher.
Berries (Strawberries): Supplies remain limited and markets are 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): Easter week will bring delays and short supplies.
Melon (Watermelon): The market is very strong, light supplies on all sizes.
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Pears: Offshore Bartlett are shifting form Chilean fruit to Argentinian.
Berries (Blueberries): Florida will slowly ramp up production over the next two weeks. California and Georgia are expected to see good volume by mid-April.
Berries (Blackberries): California is expected to start harvest in mid-April.
Berries (Raspberries): Santa Maria and Oxnard are expected to slowly start by mid April.
Berries (Strawberries): Salinas and Watsonville areas expected to resume harvest in 2-3 weeks.
Lettuce Iceberg: Yuma production will continue for lettuce another 2-3 weeks.
Bell Peppers (Western): Transition to Sonora, Mexico for hot house varieties on colored peppers. Also supplies from the southern region of Sinaloa
PEAK SEASONS
Apples: Washington Apples are in peak season.
Berries (Blackberries): Mexico is in its second peak production period of the season.
