WEATHER UPDATE
A strong late season upper-level low-pressure system moves into California late this week with light rain and drizzle expected across the Central Coast along with a deepening marine layer influencing most of coastal California. This cooler pattern with coastal drizzle looks to continue into next week. High pressure strengthens over Central Mexico with a few isolated showers and warmer conditions into next week. Regions to the north will continue with seasonably warm and dry conditions into next week. Florida and the southeast will continue to be impacted by heavy rains as a slow-moving tropical disturbance moves into the Gulf of Mexico. We will continue to monitor this system for possible intensification over the few days.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks have been adequate early in the week but seem to tighten up as the week progresses. Look for trucks to tighten up next week as drivers stay home for the Memorial Day holiday. 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 3.277 per gallon. An increase of .738 from this time last year. California prices increased as well and are now at 3.973 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 72.13 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Berries (Blackberries): Supplies are very limited and prices are higher.
Berries (Raspberries): Harvest has slowed down this week, but will bounce back quickly next week.
Melon (Cantaloupe): Cantaloupe supplies are limited this week due to cooler nighttime temperatures in California an Arizona growing regions.
Melon (Honeydew): We have had much lower nighttime temperatures in the growing regions. As a result the supplies of honeydews have decreased this week.
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Onions:
New Mexico has started with building supplies of all colors and sizes. Central California will start in a light way the start of next week.
Potatoes (colored): Northern Florida growing areas will start to slowly wind down for the season by the middle of June. North Carolina with start the middle of June.
Berries (Raspberries): Salinas and Watsonville areas are expected to start ramping up next week and gradually improve over the next 3 weeks.
Berries (Blackberries): Salinas and Watsonville harvest is expected to start week of June 11.
Celery: Salinas will begin production in a few weeks.
PEAK SEASONS
Berries (Blueberries): North Carolina and California are expected to enter peak production over the next 2 weeks.
