The Source - October 18, 2017

Weather Update

There will be a brief cool down out west late this week, as a Pacific cold front approaches from the north. The system is expected to remain to the north with a slight chance of light rain possible late Thursday. High pressure builds on Friday ushering in an extended warming trend for the entire region. Gusty winds are forecast for the desert regions as the low passes to the north followed by a warming trend into late October. Central Mexico will see near to above average temperatures and mostly dry conditions through next week. In Florida typical light scattered showers mainly to the south are forecast in front of a more powerful system expected early next week. This system is forecast to bring up to 3 inches of rain, and strong winds on Monday into Tuesday followed by mostly dry conditions next week.

Freight Update

California trucks look to be steady for the balance of the week. Washington apple trucks are extremely tight with no relief in sight. Idaho onion/potato trucks remain extremely tight as well. The national average for diesel remained steady and is currently at 2.787 per gallon. An increase of .306 from this time last year. California prices are steady as well and are currently at 3.159 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 51.88 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples Alert

California – Granny Smiths are still cleaning up with small fruit. Pink Ladies are steady, and they are heavier to the smaller sizing. The quality has been good for both.

Washington – Red Delicious are steady to lower on all sizes as more and more shippers start packing. The red sizing is normal with an 80/88/100 peak. Golden Delicious are steady with good availability. They are peaking on Premium grade 100/113s with only light supplies of 88s and larger. Granny Smiths are steady to slightly lower on all sizes. The fruit is still small so 88s and larger are limited, and they are priced at a premium. Galas are steady to slightly lower on 100s and smaller as they continue to peak on 113/125/138s. Fujis are steady to lower and are still peaking on 88/100s. Honeycrisps are slightly lower with more higher grade fruit peaking on 56/64/72/80s. A few Jonagolds have started, and they are large. A couple of suppliers also have Braeburns, and they are medium sized. The quality of all varieties has been good.

Idaho – Galas are steady and are still cleaning up. Jonathans are steady and peaking on 100 size and smaller. They have also started packing Jonagolds and golden delicious. The goldens are small with a 113-163 peak and the Jonagolds are large with a 72/80/88 peak. The quality has been good.

Michigan – Michigan continues to pack Galas, Honeycrisps, McIntosh, Jonathans, Jonamacs, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Cortlands, and Empires. They have also started with a few red Romes and Jonagolds. Most varieties have excellent quality and better than normal color. The Michigan markets are hanging steady and strong, but the harvest is finished so are seeing some price-flex on red delicious, golden delicious, and Galas. The quality has been good for all.

Pennsylvania – they continue packing Galas, Fujis, red delicious, and Golden Delicious and all markets are slightly lower. Honeycrisp have finished for the season. Red delicious are still peaking on 88/100s, while the rest are heavier to 100/113s. The quality has been good for all.

New York – they continue packing Cortlands, Galas, McIntosh, Honeycrisps, Red Delicious, Fujis, Snap Dragons, and Empires. They have started packing red Romes and Jonagolds. Most varieties are large and peaking on 88/100s with not much small fruit. There are a few small McIntosh. The quality has been good for all.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Large Granny Smith remain limited in Washington.

Peak Seasons:
Washington continues in the peak of its Gala and Golden delicious season.

Michigan is in the peak of its Gala, McIntosh, Jonathan, Empire, and Cortland seasons.

New York continues in the peak of its McIntosh, Empire, and Gala seasons.

Growing Region Market Quality
Coopersville/Belding/Sparta, MI Lower/Steady Good
Milton, NY Steady Good
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Lower/Steady Good
Caldwell, ID Steady Good
Aspers/Gardners, PA Lower/Steady Good
Stockton, CA Steady Good
Asparagus

Northern Baja (Ensenada) has started to close fields due to seasonality; quality is fair at best. Southern Baja still has decent volume but the warmer weather during the day and evening has decreased yields at the time of packing. Northern/Southern Peru are both in full production and are both having ideal growing weather. The overall market should improve next week with Northern Baja closing fields, and warmer than normal weather in Southern Baja.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Lower/Steady Good
Southern Baja, MX Lower/Steady Good
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Lower/Steady Poor
Avocado (Mexican)

Mexico's shipments to the US started to slow the end of last week. Growers are looking to hold current field prices and not accepting offers of lower prices for their fruit. Market is reacting with slightly higher pricing. Shippers still have good supplies on hand, and expected Mexico to start to increase shipments as market firms.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Michoacan, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Bell Peppers (Eastern)

There is a sloppy Bell Pepper market in the east. Michigan, New Jersey and western North Carolina are finishing for the season and flushing out what is left in fields. South Carolina, Georgia and north Florida are in near peak production pumping out a lot of volume. Quality varies a great deal from region to region, even the southern pepper has some issues from all the weather this fall. Cooler temperatures are moving in this week which could finally end the season for a lot of northern regions and some local deals in the mid-Atlantic. Cooler weather in the south will help the quality and slow production.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Green Bell Pepper is transitioning to the southeast.

Peak Seasons:
Green Bell Pepper is in Peak availability.

Growing Region Market Quality
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Lower/Steady Fair
Henderson / Buncomb County, NC Lower/Steady Fair
Lee / Grady County, GA Lower/Steady Good
Bell Peppers (Western)

Orange Bell Peppers – light supply being harvested in Fresno. Showing good quality and condition.

Yellow Bell Peppers – light supply being harvested in Fresno. Yellow bell peppers are showing good quality and condition. With lighter supply and increasing demand, we could see a slight increase in the Yellow Bell Market.

Green Bell Peppers – lighter supply of green bell peppers being harvested in the Fresno growing area. Green bell peppers are showing good quality and condition on all sizes. With lighter supply and increasing demand, we could see a slight increase in the Green Bell Market.

Red Bell Peppers – good volume of red bell peppers still being harvested in the Fresno growing area. Red bell peppers are showing good quality and condition on all sizes.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern San Joaquin Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Berries (Blackberries)

Blackberry supplies are slowly starting to improve. Domestic harvest continues to be limited as we finish up the season, but Mexican production is increasing and helping to fill the gaps. The first Mexican harvest did have some red cell and soft berries, but the quality is improving week over week. Fruit is crossing in Texas, and we have good availability in McAllen if that is a loading option for you. Otherwise, fruit is being transferred to other loading locations in California, and we may experience an occasional delay on arrival. Market prices have been consistent with opportunities buys in Texas.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Watsonville, CA Steady Fair
Santa Maria, CA Steady Fair
Central Mexico Steady Good
Berries (Blueberries)

Blueberry supplies are gradually improving as more import fruit arrives. Peru, Argentina, and Central Mexico are all producing on a regular basis with regular arrivals landing on the east and west coasts. 4.4oz, 6oz, and Pints will be available. Quality is being reported as excellent on all the new import fruit. Good color, size, and flavor. We have several loading locations to choose from. Market prices are starting to decline as volume increases. Volume buys are available with aggressive prices being offered.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Chilean fruit is expected to arrive mid November.

Peak Seasons:
Peru and Argentina are expected to be in peak harvest over the next 3-4 weeks.

Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Excellent
Tucuman, Argentina Lower Excellent
Trujillo, Peru Lower Excellent
Berries (Raspberries)

Raspberry supplies slowed down slightly in the front part of this week due to rain delays from Mexico late last week. However, production has resumed, and we expect the Mexican fruit to be consistently crossing moving forward. We continue to have domestic harvest in Watsonville and Santa Maria, but this volume is tapering off quickly. Despite the slight setback earlier this week, we will continue to have good supplies. Quality on the Mexican product is being reported as strong. Market prices have been steady in all areas.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Watsonville, CA Steady Good
Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Berries (Strawberries)

Not much change this week on strawberries. We expect to have a consistent harvest in all major growing regions. The weather forecasts call for generally mild temperatures throughout the day and cool nights for the next 4-5 days. Quality overall has improved, and markets have been steady to slightly lower. Salinas / Watsonville berries have firmed up, and quality seems to have improved, but the berries are smaller in size. Depending on how the weather cooperates in this area, we expect to have production for the next 4-6 weeks. Santa Maria and Oxnard have slightly larger berries with good color. Again, if the weather cooperates, we expect to see improved quality and volume in these areas moving forward. Mexico is just starting to scratch at harvest this week. We will get better information on quality as more fruit crosses.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Mexico is just starting harvest this week. We expect supplies to improve over the next 2-4 weeks. Santa Maria and Oxnard are increasing harvest.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Lower/Steady Good
Watsonville, CA Lower/Steady Good
Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Oxnard, CA Steady Good
Broccoli

The broccoli market and supplies vary from shipper to shipper. Santa Maria continues to have the most competitive prices out West. Although quality is still showing problems from the heat-related weather. We are seeing yellowing, pin rot, brown bead, hollow core due to the heat. The same quality issues have been showing up upon arrivals with the value added broccoli as well. The supplies out of Mexico remain steady with the markets doing the same. They have been quoting hollow core as well.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Fair
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Fair
McAllen, TX Steady Fair
Brussels Sprouts

We have seen improvement in quality as well as a full array of sizes in the brussel sprout arena. Supplies although have remained relatively limited which has kept the market at much higher than normal levels. Supplies should increase over the next couple of weeks. Hopefully, we will see some relief in the markets as well.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Good
Oxnard, CA Steady Good
Carrots

Jumbo carrots prices are starting to react upward as a result of the extreme heat over the summer in the Central Valley. Expect this to continue through the end of the year. Rainbow carrots should be back in early to mid-November. Markets remain steady on other carrot items.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield/Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Cauliflower

The cauliflower market is trending higher with some suppliers and steady with others. Supplies are also following this same pattern. Quality has been better with minimal arrivals of bruising / brown discoloration. We are seeing white color with minimal cream to yellow color. Although the market looks to trend higher next week with supplies diminishing as we enter the end of the season for the Salinas Valley.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Celery

This market is stronger, especially on large sizing with most shippers. Smaller sizing currently is more readily available. Oxnard has begun production. Michigan weather is changing, and production has slowed down. This region is just about finished. Production in Santa Maria and Salinas is moderate. Demand is being met.Expect supplies to tighten up weekly as we head into November. Defects include slight bowing and seeder has been seen but minimally in northern as well as southern California. Overall quality in all the growing region continues to be good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Salinas Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Chili Peppers

Chili pepper volume remains light out of our growing areas. Baja will be mostly done in the next few weeks, and Santa Maria is also struggling to produce any real volume. This will continue to be the case until we transition to Northern Mexico in late October or early November. Demand remains strong; with supplies down, the market is getting stronger. Very light volume on Anaheim peppers to nearly non existent. Mostly #2 Anaheim available at this time.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Cilantro

The cilantro market varies depending on the loading location. The Salinas suppliers are much higher than Santa Maria, Oxnard, or Mexico. The Salinas season is finishing here in the next 3 to 4 weeks. Santa Maria and Oxnard have improved quality and competitive prices. Mexico is also in better shape with supplies. Quality is showing full bunches and minimal yellowing.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Baja, MX Steady Good
Citrus (Lemons)

The Oxnard/Ventura crop is 97% harvested and nearing its seasonal end. Fruit out of this district is peaking on 165's and smaller. The Desert crop is going with limited volume that will build in availability as we move through October. Fruit from this district is peaking on 140s/115s, heavier to the fancy grade. Imported fruit from Chile and Mexico is in good supplies.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Ventura, CA Steady Good
Coachella, CA / Yuma, AZ Steady Good
Citrus (Limes)

Lime quality levels continue to improve slowly. Tropical Storm Franklin and other storms had caused a lot of damage to the new crop lime supply and quality. Quality defects range from stylar, skin breakdown, and wind scarring. The size curve is changing to be lighter on the 110s, and 150s and right now all sizes are virtually priced the same. Supplies and demand are equal at this time. The market is steady.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Veracruz, Mexico Steady Good
Citrus (Oranges) Alert

California Valencia season is complete. Navel crop is just beginning with very limited volume to start for the week of October 23rd. Volume will build slowly over the next 3 to 4 weeks as more shippers start and more fruit colors and becomes ready to pick. Demand will exceed supplies until all shippers are up to full production and the supply line begins to fill.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand exceeds supplies.

Growing Region Market Quality
Merced to Bakersfield, CA Higher Good
Riverside, CA Higher Good
Cucumbers (Eastern) Alert

Cooler temperatures are moving across the East slowing production and ending most of the shipping deals in the northern regions of the country. New Jersey, Canada, and New York State are the largest northern deals still producing, but all should wind up this weekend. Georgia is producing fair volume but the yields in Georgia and north Florida down due to hurricane Irma. A couple of growers in southwest Florida have started this week with light volume and fair quality.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
There is a wide range in quality on cucumbers in the south.

Peak Seasons:
Cucumbers are moving out of peak season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Duplin County, NC Steady Fair
Lee / Grady County, GA Steady Good
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Steady Good
Cucumbers (Western)

Cucumber volume from Baja remains steady. Quality out of Baja remains mostly good. Cucumber volume has increased out of Nogales, from Sonora, Mexico. The market has adjusted down and may continue to do so as volume increases from the Northern Sonora growing region. Nogales quality is good. Cucumbers will be a promotable commodity with overlapping seasons from Baja and Nogales producing heavily.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady Good
Central Sonora, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Eggplant (Eastern) Alert

There is a stronger eggplant market in the east. Most northern growing regions have finished for the season and demand for southern eggplant has increased. Cooler weather moving through the east will slow production for the rest of the week. Most shippers in Georgia have had very good quality, and the demand for those eggplant has been very good. After a week of slumping prices expect the market to be higher for the rest of the week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Production is going to slow down this week.

Transitions:
Eggplant is transitioning to the Southeast.

Peak Seasons:
Eggplant moving out of Peak availability.

Growing Region Market Quality
Lee / Grady County, GA Steady/Higher Good
Eggplant (Western)

Eggplant production out of Fresno remains light. We should remain to see light supply until the end of the California Eggplant Season. Quality out of Fresno remains mostly good. Nogales, from Mexico, is still light volume. Production is heavy to smaller fruit in both growing areas (24 count and smaller). The Western market remains steady. Quality from Fresno and Nogales are good to Excellent at this time.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Fresno, CA Steady Excellent
Grapes (Green)

Green grapes continue along steadily. Prices are steady. Quality remains very nice. Barring weather we expect more of the same in quality.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Delano, CA Steady Excellent
Fresno, CA Steady Excellent
Grapes (Red)

Red grapes also continue along with steady markets and great quality. Expect more of the same for the coming week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Delano, CA Steady Excellent
Fresno, CA Steady Excellent
Green Onions

Supplies have ramped up, and as a result, we are finally seeing jumbo sized green onions. Quality is really nice with green tops and minimal yellowing. The market is finally at normal levels on both iced and iceless packs.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Mexicali, Baja Steady Good
Kale

The kale market remains competitive. Supplies are abundant with little disruption as we head into transition to Yuma. Quality has been excellent with full bunches, dark green color, minimal yellowing, and no dehydration.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Steady Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Lettuce Iceberg

This market continues to gain strength. Demand exceeds supplies. Huron began production on Monday on lettuce. Leaf is expected to start next week. The weights on lettuce initially have been averaging 42-46 pounds. Production in Salinas and Santa Maria has been very limited. Defects that have been seen include tip burn, mechanical, puffiness, ribbing, and slight insect damage. The weights on palletized has been averaging 42-45 pounds. Processors continue to attempt to purchase as much acreage as possible. Expect strong markets for the entire week.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Huron began production on Monday.

Growing Region Market Quality
Huron, CA Higher Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Fair
Lettuce Leaf

Romaine continues to be active. Romaine hearts are also stronger in the marketplace with most suppliers. Supplies will be moderate to light the entire week. Salinas is expected to have production for another four weeks. Huron will have some production in a limited way in another week or two. Santa Maria will have light harvesting for the week. Processors continue to purchase as much acreage as possible on romaine. Defects on romaine include slight mechanical, pink ribbing and insect. Green and red leaf as well as butter are stronger as well but not nearly in comparison to romaine. Defects on green and red leaf as well as butter consist of slight insect damage, mechanical and fringe burn. Expect moderate supplies on all leaf items except romaine for the week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Fair
Lettuce Tender Leaf Alert

As we finish the Salinas Valley season, raw product supplies of spring mix, baby spinach, arugula, and the other components of spring mix have decreased significantly. Quality is also a major factor as crews battle mildew to heat damage with the existing acreage. Although Yuma has started in a light way with harvesting, it isn't enough volume to meet demands. Also as an industry, we are seeing price increase with some suppliers due to the shortage of raw product. This will trend until we transition to Yuma in four weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Raw product has become a serious factor as poor quality acreage is resulting in a decrease in supplies. Some shippers have raised prices as a result.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Fair
Melon (Cantaloupe)

The desert has started and is slowly building volume. Fruit is peaking on large sizes in all areas with no 18's being harvested and scarce amounts of 15's coming in sporadically. Offshore supplies are set to start the first week or two of November. We are experiencing good demand and supplies that are less than last week. Quality out of the desert is outstanding while quality in the San Joaquin Valley is still very nice. In the SJV a few lots have come in with some soft melons, but overall they are great still. The market is higher.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
The desert has started. We have a couple more weeks of harvesting in the San Joaquin Valley. Offshore lopes are set to arrive the first week or two of November.

Growing Region Market Quality
Maricopa, AZ Higher Excellent
Mendota, CA Higher Good
Melon (Honeydew)

Honeydews are continuing to see a little more demand. The overall supply of honeydews is lower as growers finish harvesting for their season. Quality has remained excellent. The desert has started in a light way with building volumes, Mexico has also started. The market is higher.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
The desert has started. Offshore supplies are set to arrive during the middle to end of November.

Growing Region Market Quality
Maricopa, AZ Higher Excellent
Mendota, CA Higher Excellent
Hermosillo, Mexico Higher Excellent
Melon (Watermelon)

Watermelon supply out of California remains light. Quality is being reported at fair to good. Volume on new crop watermelon in Nogales crossing from Mexico has increased. More Nogales shippers have started to received steady volume on this commodity. This should have an impact on the market. Demand is very strong, mostly due to a lack of supply from older fields in competing districts. Quality on Mexican watermelons is mostly good to excellent

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Onions Alert

Onion market continues to be fairly steady on all colors and most sizes. Medium Yellow onions are plentiful with most shippers making deals to keep the volume moving. The Idaho growers had temperatures drop down to 23 to 26 degrees on Saturday and Sunday nights which put an all the growers on full alert. Reports of damage so far are minimal. I don't think we will know the real story till these onions come out of storage. So stay tuned. Rain is in the forecast going into the weekend. Growers are trying to get everything into the barn by next week, but the rain could slow things down a bit. Transportation is still very limited out the Northwest and is demanding a premium. Christmas tree are right around the corner so watch out for transportation to get even tighter. Stay ahead of your inventories.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Transportation is very limited.

Growing Region Market Quality
Ontario, OR to Nampa, ID Steady Excellent
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady Excellent
Pears

Stockton, California – Bartlett pears are steady on all sizes with 110s and larger. California should continue shipping mountain fruit through this month. Red pears are steady and continue to peak on 45/50 half cartons, but supplies remain limited. Bosc pears are still peaking on 100/110s, and the market continues to slowly fall. The quality has been good for Bartletts, red pears, and Bosc.

Washington – Bartlett pears are steady on all sizes. Bartletts are peaking on 110/120s, but packing has been light. Red Bartlett/Red Sensations are steady and are still peaking on 45/50 half cartons. Bosc and D'anjous are lower on most sizes as more shippers have gotten started. Both the Bosc and D'anjous are large now with peak sizing in the 80/90/100 range. The quality for all varieties has been good.

New York – they continue to pack bushel, bin, and tote Bosc and the market is steady. The quality is reported as good.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Washington continues in the peak of its Bartlett pear season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Milton, NY Steady Good
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady Good
Stockton, CA Steady Good
Pineapples

We continue to see good supplies coming in for the tropics. Expect good supplies as we move through November. Size is peaking on 5ct/6ct with the smaller sizes limited.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
La Virgen, Costa Rica Steady Good
Heredia, Costa Rica Steady Good
Guapiles, Costa Rica Steady Good
La Cieba, Honduras Steady Good
Retalhuleu, Guatemala Steady Good
San Luis, Guatemala Steady Good
Potatoes Alert

Idaho potato growers are getting close to being finished with the 2017/2018 potato crop. Mother nature brought some cold temperatures into the region the tail end of last week through the weekend. These cold temperatures stopped most grower from harvesting. Growers, for the most part, will not harvest potatoes till the core temperature of the potato hits 45 degrees. On Thursday and Friday of last week, growers did not start harvesting till 2 p.m. and ran well into the night. Parts of Idaho received a few inches of snow on Saturday which was all but gone by the end of the day. The forecast is calling for favorable weather till Friday which is calling for a chance of light rain clearing by Saturday. Markets are unstable as the harvest come slowly to an end, weather interruptions and supplies coming out of storage not being ready. Supplies that are making it to the packing sheds are peaking on 60 count and larger. Deals are being made to keep supplies of large carton moving. Most supplies of 80 count and smaller that are coming off the lines are going right into the retail bags. Transportation is very limited with no relief in sight. Christmas trees are right around the corner, look for truck to tighten up even more.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Transportation very limited

Growing Region Market Quality
Hamer/Rupert, ID Higher Good
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady/Higher Good
Eastern Colorado Steady/Higher Good
Plover/Bancroft, WI Steady/Higher Good
Potatoes (colored)

Eastern Washington – red and gold potatoes remain steady, but supplies are light. The quality has been good.

Western Washington – reds, whites, and golds are steady with good availability. All are peaking on number-one A size and the quality has been good.

Bakersfield, California – red, white, and gold potatoes are steady on all sizes. The availability has been good, but transportation from Washington has been tough. All colors have been good quality.

Idaho – red and gold potatoes are steady to lower with good availability. The quality has been good for both.

Wisconsin – red potatoes are slightly higher this week while golds are steady, the availability for both is good. Trucks are slightly easier here. The quality has been good.

North Dakota – reds and golds are steady with good availability. Transportation has been the toughest thing to find up there. The quality is good.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
North Dakota, Wisconsin, Idaho, and western Washington continue in the peak of their red and gold potato seasons.

Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield, CA Steady Good
Mount Vernon, WA Steady Good
Pasco/Tri-Cities, WA Steady Good
Plover, WI Steady Good
Rupert to Rexburg, ID Steady Good
Red River Valley, ND Steady Good
Squash (Eastern) Alert

Light Eastern Squash Supplies will push the market up some in the East. Heavy supplies from Mexico are keeping the market in check. Weather issue from storms and above average temperatures, coupled with insect problems have hurt southern crops, especially yellow squash. Quality on green squash has been good and most yellow squash has been decent, but supplies are going to get much tighter for the rest of the week. A few shippers in central Florida started this week with light supplies, but there will not be much volume for a couple of weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Light Eastern supply

Peak Seasons:
Squash is moving out of peak availability in the east.

Growing Region Market Quality
Henderson / Bucomb County, NC Steady/Higher Fair
Lee/Grady/Echols County, GA Steady/Higher Good
Hillsborough / Sarasota County, FL Steady/Higher Good
Squash (Western)

Italian, Yellow S/N and Grey squash are currently being Harvested in Sonora Mexico and crossing through Nogales. Heavy supply crossing through Nogales has exceeded demand. Good quality and condition are being reported on these three squash commodities.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Sonora, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Stone Fruit

Most of the traditional stone fruits are done with harvest for the season. Nectarines are finished. A few can be found here and there. Most growers should be done with peaches this week and next week. Some growers will be wrapping up plums this week. Other growers are anticipating having plums through November. Apple pears, pomegranates, and persimmons are in full swing now. Please consider using these on your menus. California kiwi has started. Prices are adjusting as more growers are in with volume.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Kiwi has started in California.

Peak Seasons:
Peaches and nectarines will be finishing up over the next week to ten days.

Growing Region Market Quality
Madera south to Arvin, CA Steady Excellent
Tomatoes (Eastern)

As the seasonal change introduces cooler temperatures into the eastern growing areas, Fall tomato programs have begun to wind down in the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. The last flush of fruit for the season was observed in the markets last week with Larger fruit showing the best value for the dollar, and already this week's markets have returned to traditional price structure with larger fruit offered at a premium compared against the smaller sizes available. Low demand for tomatoes is helping to keep the market from taking off but has shown a slight increase of 2-3 dollars this week already. With November fast approaching, northern operations will finish in the next 1 to 2 weeks transitioning harvests into Quincy and Palmetto/Ruskin districts of Florida where Hurricane Irma has been responsible for reducing most of the planted acreage of the season. It is not known how much, if any, of the available tomato crops, will be offered from this area that has not been committed to contract programs already. Pricing is expected to continue an upward trend this month, and November is still a bit of an unknown. Though we have not experienced the market reacting as quickly as expected following post-Irma reports, largely due to Mexico helping to meet US National demand in recent weeks, there is still the consensus of a potential supply gap through November and possibly early December.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Cedarville/Hammonton, VA Steady/Higher Good
Eastern North Carolina Steady Good
Charleston, SC Steady Good
Northern Florida Steady/Higher Good
Tomatoes (Western)

Pricing is still reasonable for the season out of California although the quality is showing multiple months of summer heat and is considered secondary compared to Eastern counterparts. California Roma tomatoes have already begun their seasonal decline. However, supply is steady with increasing crossings from Mexico into Texas. While California fruit quality has been reported fair at best, Mexico has begun in recent weeks shipping good quality tomatoes helping overall supply as California growers wrap up. Grape and cherry tomato production remains light against rising demand pressing prices upward. Over the next week to 10 days, domestic yields will diminish further to a halt continuing the upward pressure in the market that has set in this week with the speculation of elevated pricing until December when winter programs start.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern San Joaquin Valley, CA Higher Fair
Northern San Joaquin Valley, CA Higher Fair
Southern Nayarit/Sinaloa, Mexico Higher Good
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Higher Fair

Things You Should Know

Apples
Large Granny Smith remain limited in Washington.

Citrus (Oranges)
Demand exceeds supplies.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
There is a wide range in quality on cucumbers in the south.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Production is going to slow down this week.

Lettuce Tender Leaf
Raw product has become a serious factor as poor quality acreage is resulting in a decrease in supplies. Some shippers have raised prices as a result.

Onions
Transportation is very limited.

Potatoes
Transportation very limited

Squash (Eastern)
Light Eastern supply

Transitions and Temperatures

Lettuce Iceberg
Huron began production on Monday.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is transitioning to the Southeast.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Green Bell Pepper is transitioning to the southeast.

Berries (Blueberries)
Chilean fruit is expected to arrive mid November.

Berries (Strawberries)
Mexico is just starting harvest this week. We expect supplies to improve over the next 2-4 weeks. Santa Maria and Oxnard are increasing harvest.

Stone Fruit
Kiwi has started in California.

Melon (Cantaloupe)
The desert has started. We have a couple more weeks of harvesting in the San Joaquin Valley. Offshore lopes are set to arrive the first week or two of November.

Melon (Honeydew)
The desert has started. Offshore supplies are set to arrive during the middle to end of November.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Squash (Eastern)
Squash is moving out of peak availability in the east.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant moving out of Peak availability.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumbers are moving out of peak season.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Green Bell Pepper is in Peak availability.

Berries (Blueberries)
Peru and Argentina are expected to be in peak harvest over the next 3-4 weeks.

Apples
Washington continues in the peak of its Gala and Golden delicious season.

Michigan is in the peak of its Gala, McIntosh, Jonathan, Empire, and Cortland seasons.

New York continues in the peak of its McIntosh, Empire, and Gala seasons.

Pears
Washington continues in the peak of its Bartlett pear season.

Potatoes (colored)
North Dakota, Wisconsin, Idaho, and western Washington continue in the peak of their red and gold potato seasons.

Stone Fruit
Peaches and nectarines will be finishing up over the next week to ten days.

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