WEATHER UPDATE
After a surprise rain event in the Salinas valley early this week, another cold front moves in out west with cooler temperatures and a chance of light rain mid-week. High pressure builds with a gradual warm up late this week into the weekend. A tropical storm approaches Western Mexico with strong winds and heavy rains especially along the coast of Jalisco/Michoacán late this week. In Florida Tropical storm Humberto moves is well east of the region with seasonal temperatures and afternoon showers the norm under an easterly flow.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks remain steady again this week. Washington apple trucks are adequate as well as Idaho potato trucks. The national average on diesel remains under 3.00 a gallon and is currently at 2.987 per gallon. California prices rose slightly and are currently at $3.901 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at $59.09 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Apples: Rain in the Northwest has pushed harvest back on Fuji’s and Golden Delicious. Shippers are hoping to start packing by Friday/Saturday.
Avocado (Mexican): Demand on small fruit (60’s, 70’s, 84’s) has outpaced the harvest and holding at a premium.
Berries (Blueberries): Domestic fruit options are rapidly diminishing Michigan will go through mid October. After that there will be imported fruit only .
Berries (Raspberries): Heat related issues may be present in some lots
Berries (Strawberries): Extreme heat in both growing regions followed by brief rain in the Salinas /Watsonville areas will temporarily affect quality and yields. Look for reduced supplies moving into the weekend.
Broccoli: Supplies in the Salinas Valley are battling Pin Rot causing lower yields.
Carrots: Multiple Local markets on jumbo carrots are available
Grapes (Green): Green grape supplies will get lighter as we move forward. We expect the domestic season to end early. Markets are higher.
Melon (Honeydew): With the current shortage of cantaloupes, we are seeing a stronger demand and market on honeydews.
Potatoes: Idaho and Washington markets continue to decline; #2 grade limited. Light supplies of large size potatoes in Colorado and Wisconsin.
Stone Fruit: Domestic stone fruit season is winding down. Plums will be our only option for late season varieties.
TRANSITIONS AND TEMPERATURES
Potatoes (Colored): North Dakota will begin next week.
Grapes (Red): Transition to import fruit will take place early November.
Avocado (Mexican): We are a few weeks away from transitioning into Mexican new crop “Aventejada” fruit. This variety runs from October through June.
Berries (Blackberries): Mexican production is beginning to increase in numbers.
Berries (Raspberries): The Mexican raspberry season is starting to pick up out of central Mexico
