WEATHER UPDATE
In the Salinas Valley, we will see a warming trend for the next five days with areas south of Salinas reaching mid 90’s! The typical morning fog will not be present for the next few days as nighttime temperatures reaching the low 50’s. A different story in the Santa Maria / Oxnard growing regions as we will see a slight cooling trend through the weekend. Hurricane Florence is still on track towards the Carolina coast. Florida is still expected to miss out on its most significant effects. Major wind advisories with torrential showers and thunderstorms expected Wednesday through Saturday.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks remain adequate, and rates remain steady. Look for capacity to remain steady thru out the balance of the summer months. Washington apple truck supply is adequate as well. Idaho potato trucks remain steady while onion trucks in are a little tougher to find. The national average on diesel remained steady this week and is currently at 3.258 per gallon. An increase of .456 from this time last year. California prices remained steady as well and are now at 3.969 per gallon. Crude oil is up slightly this week and is currently at 70.83 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Berries (Blueberries): Transition between domestic and import means lighter supplies, storage fruit and higher prices.
Berries (Strawberries): Markets are higher, supplies are lighter and demand is strong.
Citrus (Oranges): Small size valencias are extremely limited and the market continues to trend higher as we finish the season.
Cucumbers (Western): Demand remains strong on cucumber. Pricing has increased sharply.
Squash (Western): The market is very strong on the west coast. Pricing is higher.
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Potatoes: All areas into New Crop Russet Norkotah potatoes
Berries (Raspberries): Oxnard, Baja, and Mexico harvest will get started mid to late September and gradually ramp up.
Berries (Strawberries): Santa Maria is slowly ramping up with new fall harvest.
Berries (Blueberries): Peru is arriving now, we expect Argentina, Chile and Mexico to get started over the next 6 weeks.
Bell Peppers (Western): Green Bell Peppers now available from the Coastal California growing areas. Colored bell peppers will transition to the coast this week.
Squash (Western): Squash from Mexico will be available in the next week to 10 days. High volume is expected in October
