WEATHER UPDATE
A cold front brings gusty winds and cooler temperatures across California into the weekend. High pressure returns with gradual warming next week. Cooler temperatures and strong winds (30-40-mph) impact the southwestern desert regions as the cold front passes to the north. A couple of tropical systems look to move into Central Mexico this week with heavy rains across the region. Extended forecast show another tropical system possible early next week. A cold front brings light scattered showers across Northern Florida into the weekend as a warm moist flow from the gulf returns next week.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks remain steady again this week. Washington apple trucks are adequate as well as Idaho potato and onion trucks. The national average remained steady this week at 3.051 per gallon. California prices remained steady as well and are currently at $3.982 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at $53.37 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Berries (Blackberries): This item is in extremely short supply
Berries (Raspberries): Good volumes very promotable.
Broccoli: Broccoli is now in a demand exceeds situation. Lower yields and slow growth is causing the decrease in supplies.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower supply is extremely short. Lack of growth plus bad quality is causing yields to be very short.
Grapes (Green): Supplies are lighter, prices are higher and quality is diminishing. We expect a gap in supply by late November.
Melon (Cantaloupe): Demand is strong and has outpaced the harvest.
Potatoes: Markets are rising in all regions. Demand is active with limited production out of Idaho.
Potatoes (Colored): Markets on the rise with limited supplies and active demand. Weather related issues limiting supplies from North Dakota and Wisconsin.
Stone Fruit: Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots are done for the season. Plums remain steady.
TRANSITIONS AND TEMPERATURES
Lettuce Leaf: Yuma expected to begin production in early November.
Lettuce Iceberg: Huron has production on lettuce. Yuma will start in 3-4 weeks.
Melon (Cantaloupe): Arizona is struggling with production due to abnormal weather a few weeks back. Mexico has started but in a small way.
Grapes (Green): New import fruit will arrive on the east coast by late November and the west coast by early December.
Grapes (Red): Import season will start in late November to early December.
A Peak at Peak Seasons
Berries (Strawberries): Santa Maria is peaking and Oxnard is beginning to see some significant early numbers.
