The Source - September 13, 2017

Weather Update

Temperatures continue to cool across the west as a wet upper-level low-pressure system moves east and is replaced by a cool, dry system moving in from the northwest. This will once again re-establish the marine layer along the coastal regions. This will help cool overnight lows that have been in the mid-60s for weeks. A strong low-pressure system moves in over the weekend keeping the region unseasonably cool into late next week. The southwestern desert regions will see strong gusty winds and a cool down next week as these system pass to the north. High pressure over northern Mexico produces seasonal temperatures and scattered showers to Central Mexico and regions to the north. A Tropical Depression forming off the southwestern coast of Mexico has shown a wide range of potential tracks in latest model guidance. At the moment there is a fair chance that a tropical storm will track along the coast of Michoacán and Jalisco moving towards southern Baja by the weekend. Florida will see isolated, scattered showers and thunderstorms as clean up continues throughout the entire region.

Freight Update

California trucks have tightened up due to the recent storms and the hurricane which has caused factories that load trucks West to close. Also, some trucks are tied up due to FEMA. Washington apple trucks remain steady. Idaho onion/potato trucks have tightened up considerably since last week. The national average for diesel spiked up again and is currently at 2.802 per gallon. An increase of .403 from this time last year. California prices are up as well and are currently at 3.179 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 48.26 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

California – Gala apples are cleaning up. Granny Smith apples are steady to lower on all sizes with light availability especially on 88s and larger. The quality has been good.

Washington – Red Delicious are higher on most sizes, and grades and the market remain very active with strong demand. The remaining C.A. fruit is peaking on 80/88s, but supplies are dwindling. Golden Delicious are available in limited quantities. The new-crop Goldens are peaking on Premium grade 100/113s with more small fruit than large. The fruit is clean and hasn't yielded many of the lower grades. The Gala market is lower as supplies are coming on. The heat in Washington is causing more lighter colored fruit, and they are peaking on 113/125/138s. There are very light supplies of new-crop Fujis. They are peaking on Premium grade 80/88/100s. Honeycrisp are steady to slightly lower with more higher grade fruit ranging from 64s to 100s. The quality of all varieties has been good.

Idaho – they have a few early Galas left, and they are heavy to extra-fancy 100/113s. The quality is good.

Michigan – Galas and McIntosh continue, and the markets are steady for both. New-crop Honeycrisp, Jonathans, Jonamacs, and Golden Delicious are all getting started, but supplies are limited. The quality is as good.

Pennsylvania – they have started packing Gingergolds and Galas, and both varieties are peaking on small fruit. The quality has been good.

New York – McIntosh are steady, and they are still peaking on 88/100s. Galas have started but supplies are very limited. The quality is good.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Washington has started packing a few new-crop Golden Delicious and Granny Smith, but the volume is still light.

Fuji apples remain very short in Washington since only one shipper has started packing their new-crop early fruit.

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

Volume out of Northern Baja (Ensenada) is light due to rains last week which has affected yields. We should see better volume mid to late next week. Due to Hurricane Irma, nothing has arrived from Peru since late last week. We should start seeing some arrivals starting Wednesday, September 13th. All markets will be higher due limited volume from Northern Baja, and limited arrivals from Peru.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Higher Good
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Higher Good
Avocado (Mexican) Alert

The weather continues to be sporadic rain in the growing areas in Mexico, which has kept the already extremely light supplies coming from Mexico to persist this week. The market is at historically high levels. the demand for avocados has not let up forcing supplies to raise markets to higher levels. Sizing is still peaking on 60s with limited supplies of #2's. The relief we were looking for from Chile has not played out and doesn't look to be the case as we are hoping supplies increase from Mexico. Mexico's new main crop is expected to start in October now versus the predicted late-September time frame. It looks as if there is more time needed for the maturity level of the fruit to increase before they start harvesting.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies from Mexico are still at historically low levels keeping the market at extremely high. This looks to be the trend for the next three weeks.

Growing Region Market Quality
Michoacan, Mexico Higher Good
Bell Peppers (Eastern)

Due to some weather issues and seasonal wind down we are seeing a tightening of the bell pepper supply. The whole northern tier of the country from Michigan east to New Jersey and north to New England has had unseasonably cool weather for the past month. That coupled with seasonal wind-down, is creating a tighter bell pepper supply. The cooler temperatures actually are helping the quality stay good while prolonging the season as long as the regions don't get an early frost. A few rain showers late last week kept growers out of the fields tightening supplies even further. Green bell pepper still remain a good buy although we expect the market to continue to rise as the week goes on.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Green bell pepper is moving out of peak availability.

Growing Region Market Quality
Seneca / Summit County, OH Steady/Higher Good
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Steady/Higher Good
Henderson / Buncomb County, NC Steady/Higher Good
Bell Peppers (Western)

Orange Bell Peppers – light supply being harvested in Fresno. Light supply of HH orange bell peppers being brought from Canada.

Yellow Bell Peppers – light supply being harvested in Fresno. Yellow bell peppers showing good quality and condition.

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

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

Yellow and Orange supply are showing good demand with light supply driving the market up.

Green and red bell peppers supply meet or exceeds demand keeping a lower steady market.

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

Blackberry supplies are light overall but remain available too. The warmer temps promote growth, but the high temps we have been experiencing have had their effects. Softer fruit and lower yields are to be expected for a few weeks. Production out of Mexico is expected to start later this month. The market is steady to higher.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Watsonville, CA Steady/Higher Good
Berries (Blueberries)

Blueberry supplies continue to be limited as we near the end of the Pacific Northwest season. Shippers are harvesting lightly while some are shipping out of storage. Domestic supplies look to drop off in the next week or two as the season ends. Import supplies are working their way up to us. The hurricane has messed up the shipping lanes and schedules, but fruit will be coming soon. The market is higher.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Mossyrock, WA Higher Good
Oregon Higher Good
Berries (Raspberries)

Raspberry supplies are going to remain limited for the next week or so. Extremely high temperatures have slowed production and quality has suffered overall. Mechanical damage from the harvesting crews and soft fruit are the main defects. Production out of Mexico is expected to start towards the end of this month. The market is steady to higher

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Watsonville, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Berries (Strawberries) Alert

Strawberry supplies will be limited for the next week or so. The extremely hot record setting temperatures in the growing areas has wreaked havoc with supplies and quality. We have had crop loss and low production to contend with. We have also had rain showers that have further damaged the crops. Demand has been lower which has kept the market surprisingly steady to slightly higher than expected under the circumstances. Demand is returning as the east coast recovers from the hurricanes which could drive the market even higher. The market is steady to slightly higher.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Record high temperatures and scattered rain showers have affected the quality and supply of strawberries.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady/Higher Poor
Watsonville, CA Steady/Higher Poor
Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Poor
Broccoli Alert

The broccoli market has taken a drastic turn. Supplies have become extremely limited. The main reason is the extreme heat we have experienced here in the Salinas Valley coupled with the rain in the growing region of Mexico as well. In the Salinas Valley shippers are passing up acreage due to brown bead and hollow core from the heat. Supplies look to remain limited for the next 2 to 3 weeks. Processors are already holding customers to 12-week averages. Quality will be fair at best with yellowing, dehydration, hollow core, and brown bead.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The previous and current heat wave hitting California coupled with rains in Mexico's growing region have drastically reduced supplies. The market is extremely active.

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

We should see some light at the end of the tunnel here when it comes to supplies. The market has remained firm, but there is a sense of the market trending lower into next week. Quality is still fair at best with worm damage showing up in most bulk packs. Processors are having a tough time secure quality product and yield from the current raw product. This has kept supplies limited.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Lower/Steady Fair
Oxnard, CA Lower/Steady Fair
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Lower/Steady Fair
Carrots

Hot weather continues to cause carrots to be small and yields to be light. Pricing has firmed up as a result.

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

Cauliflower has yet to react to the extreme heat of the Salinas Valley. In fact, we have decent supplies for this week. The market is steady as well with Santa Maria offering volume price breaks. Although quality has been affected by the heat with yellowing of the base of the cauliflower, some sun scald which looks like brown spotting, and yellow to cream color.

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

This market is a bit stronger but nothing to be alarmed at. Plenty of product is available. Expect pricing to be more active next week. The warm temperatures in past weeks has accelerated the growth of this commodity. Expect to see gaps in a few weeks in the industry. Large sizing continues to have the best availability, twenty-four counts in particular. Slight bowing and seeder has been seen but minimally. Michigan continues to have production as well.

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

Light supply of Jalapeños, Anaheim, and Pasilla are being harvested in Baja California. Crops out of the Baja growing districts are slowly winding down. Light supplies being reported out of Fresno and Santa Maria due to recent rains and heat affecting the region. Quality and Condition out of these growing district are being reported as Fair to mostly good. Tomatillos are still being harvested out of Baja California.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern San Joaquin Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Cilantro

The heat has taken its toll on cilantro as well. We will continue to see yellowing of the leaves, brown spotting from the heat, and sporadic black slimy decay. The market has settled out a bit, but look for it to take a turn higher as suppliers look for quality acreage.

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

The District-2 lemon deal (Oxnard/Ventura) is struggling with sizing. The last of the deal is packing out predominantly with 165's to 200's. The market is about steady (although very strong) as imported fruit has come in to fill the gaps. Additionally, we are beginning to see the very first of the District-3 fruit (Coachella / South) come into the market. Likely, we have seen the worst of the supply difficulties of recent weeks although significant volume is still several weeks away in District-3. Quality out of District-2 is only fair as we approach the end of the deal. We expect to see much better fruit coming in from the Coachella region.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Lemons out of the Oxnard / Ventura region continue to struggle with sizing as the end of the deal is skewed heavily to small fruit.

Transitions:
District-3 fruit is beginning in a very small way out of the Coachella region.

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

Limes are struggling with quality. Tropical Storm Franklin and other storms since have caused a lot of damage to the lime supply and quality. Previous rains and heavy winds caused days of zero harvest and on top of that quality will suffer for weeks due to stylar, skin breakdown, and wind scarring. The situation will not improve much for the next several weeks. Growers had just recently started in new blocks and are now finding all of the defects listed above. The size curve is on the small end with the most volume in 23/250's and very few if any 110/150's. Demand is lower which is causing the market to be steady to lower.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Veracruz, Mexico Lower/Steady Poor
Citrus (Oranges) Alert

The Valencia Orange crop is rapidly finishing in the San Joaquin Valley. Many independent shippers have finished with as much as a six-week gap in supplies until the Navel Orange crop comes in for them. The larger houses are struggling to maintain supplies at a level that will allow them to stretch out until the Navel Orange harvest starts. Additionally, the recent heat wave has severely impacted the last of the fruit's quality at harvest. We expect to see an extremely strong and difficult market until the Navel Oranges come into full production. Around mid-October to the first of November. Some independent growers are pressing to come in as early as the first week of October in response to the current situation.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Serious shortage of Valencia Oranges persists.

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

Very tight cucumber supplies may continue for awhile. Unseasonably cool temperatures for the past few weeks have cut production considerably. Growers are at a point in the season where they do not have new acreage coming into production. Usually this time of year we expect some relief from the Carolinas and Georgia but with Hurricane Irma moving through Florida and the southeast this weekend that relief will be postponed at least a week. The extent of damage to crops remains to be seen. Quality is spotty ranging from fair to good from one day to the next. North Carolina started with decent volume this past week, but production has stopped due to rain from Irma, North Carolina did not receive as much wind and rain as the rest of the southeast so production should resume much quicker in that region. Expect the cucumber market to remain very tight for the next week or more.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Very tight supply and escalating market.

Peak Seasons:
Cucumbers are out of peak season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Seneca / Summit County, OH Higher Good
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Higher Fair
Henderson / Buncomb County, NC Higher Good
Cucumbers (Western)

Supply on cucumber out of Baja California is increasing in a light way as new fields become ready for Harvest. Demand still exceeds supply at this time. With transition in between fields, we should continue to see increasing supply from Baja for the next ten days. With the recent Hurricane that hit Texas and Florida markets remain strong.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Eggplant (Eastern)

With cooler temperatures and shorter days, eggplant production has slowed, but the market has remained at steady levels for the past two weeks. Demand has gotten more active over the past few days which may signal a stronger market. Georgia traditionally starts fall eggplant production early; it's a plant that can tolerate the heat, growers can get in fields and plant during the summer. Typically this supply will start in late September and pick up for the waning supply in the north, this year, with Hurricane Irma that supply is going to be pushed back at least two weeks. Buyers could be searching for supply by the first of October.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Eggplant is starting to move out of peak supply.

Growing Region Market Quality
Seneca / Summit County, OH Steady Good
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Higher Good
Eggplant (Western)

16ct Eggplant – 16ct eggplants are showing good quality and condition with good volume on this size. Product is being harvested out of Fresno and Baja California.

18ct Eggplant – there is a current shortage on 18ct eggplant out of Fresno and Baja California. With volume ramping up and sizing a priority mostly 16ct and 24ct at this time.

24ct Eggplant – 24ct eggplants are showing good quality and condition with good volume on this size. Product is being harvested out of Fresno and Baja California.

Eggplant is showing good demand keeping a steady market.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Fresno, CA Lower/Steady Good
Grapes (Green)

Green grapes are continuing to look really good in all areas. We have great quality, good supplies, great size, great color, and great taste. It's a good time to load up on the different varieties being harvested right now. The market has a range from the low teens to low twenties with a lot of choices of size from our shippers. The lowest prices grapes have come up a notch or two. The market is steady to higher.

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

Red grapes continue to enjoy the same exact environment as the green grapes. Red grapes are looking really good in all areas. We have great quality, good supplies, great size, great color and great taste. It's a good time to load up on the different varieties being harvested right now. The market has a range from the mid-low teens to low twenties with a lot of choices of size from our shippers. The bottom of the market has come up a little over last week. The market is steady to higher.

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

Green onion supplies have hit a wall. We are experiencing extremely limited supplies and extremely high markets. The main cause has been the constant heat in the Mexicali and San Luis Mexico growing regions. We also had rain over the past weekend hampering harvesting crews. They haven't been able to harvest on Monday or Tuesday of this week waiting for the soil to dry up enough to harvest. Quality will be fair at best with yellow to brown tops and small sizing.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Extremely limited supplies are causing the market to escalate tremendously due to previous rain over the weekend and continued heat in the growing region.

Growing Region Market Quality
Mexicali, Baja Higher Fair
Kale

Although we have had heat in the growing regions, kale hasn't skipped a beat. Quality remains really nice with dark green color, minimal yellowing, and dehydration. The market is steady with competitive pricing.

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

The lettuce market is steady. Good supplies are expected throughout the week, and multiple shippers are flexing on price for volume type orders. The quality has remained above average with most suppliers. Weights on wrap lettuce have been reported at 41-45 pounds by multiple suppliers. Aside from some mechanical as well as slight insects on the plant, good overall quality continues. Demand is off. Please remember the effects of the record breaking heat to this commodity will not likely be seen until this week and next. A gap in production in a few weeks is likely.

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

This market is steady on all leaf items. Markets came out stronger at the end of last week, but pricing has leveled off. Common defects have been reported. Fringe and tip burn has been reported as well as insects damage on romaine. Romaine hearts has had some twisting being reported from a few suppliers, but there is good availability for this commodity from multiple shippers. Red and green leaf, as well as butter, have the same defects as romaine. Moderate to good supplies will be the story on all leaf items for the rest of the week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Fair
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Fair
Melon (Cantaloupe)

Cantaloupes continue to be in an increasing market. The scenario is turning over due to high temperatures in the growing areas that are curtailing harvests and slowing growth. Quality may suffer due to the high temperatures, so look for soft melons and sun scalding to show up in certain lots. The market is mainly supply driven because demand has been a bit off probably due in part to the hurricanes on the east coast. When demand returns, the market has a good chance of going even higher at a faster pace. The market is steady to higher.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Mendota, CA Steady/Higher Good
Firebaugh, CA Steady/Higher Good
Melon (Honeydew)

Honeydews are seeing a little more demand and a little bit of an increasing market. The supply of honeydews is turning ever so slightly lower due to high temperatures in the growing areas that are curtailing harvests and slowing growth. Quality has remained excellent throughout the various weather patterns. If demand picks up as the east coast recovers from the hurricanes, we may see the market increase at a faster pace. The market is steady to slightly higher.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Firebaugh, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Mendota, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Melon (Watermelon)

Good availability on watermelon out of California. Mostly 36s and 45s are being packed at this time. The market has remained steady (around .26 to .28 cents) and should remain the same going into next week. Good quality and conditions being reported.

Supplies starting out of Nogales in light volume at .26 and .28 cents

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

Demand is very good on Jumbo yellow onions out of all growing areas (Idaho, Washington, Utah, and Colorado). Yellow Colossal and Super Colossal are in a demand exceeds supply with good supplies of medium in all colors. Markets are higher on Jumbo yellow and larger, mediums are steady. Look for the markets to stabilize as we get into next week. Transportation is very limited due to the Labor Day holiday and now the two hurricanes. Quality is being reported as very good now that the growers are into their storage varieties with the nice yellow/copper color. Washington growers have filled just over half of their storages, barring any weather, they hope to have all of them under cover by the end of this month. Idaho growers are just starting to get into their storage varieties.

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

Stockton, California – Bartlett pears are slightly lower on 90s and larger while 100s and smaller are steady and they continue to peak on 90/100s. Supplies of 120s and smaller are limited. Red pears are steady and continue to peak on 45/50 half cartons, but supplies are lighter as some suppliers have finished. Bosc pears are peaking on 100/110s, and the market is slowly coming off, but supplies remain limited. The quality of all varieties has been good.

Washington – Bartlett pears are steady on the larger sizes while 100s and smaller are lower with good availability. Red Bartletts/Red Sensations are steady on all sizes, but supplies are still light. The quality has been good for both. D'anjou and Bosc pears are just getting started in Washington, and they are also heavier to small fruit.

New York – they continue packing 4/5 bushel Bartlett pears, and the market is steady. The quality has been good.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Washington has started packing Bosc and D'anjou pears.

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

No changes on pineapples. Quality is good. Markets and supplies expected to remain strong and steady.

- 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

Potato market on 40 - 70 count is weaker out of all areas due to good supplies and quality coming from the fields. 80 count and smaller are slightly weaker, as most of these sizes can and are going to the retail sales. Quality is being reported as good out of all areas. Idaho is packing and shipping Norkotah variety which tends to have better size than the Russet Burbank. Field run Burbanks will start to be available with a select few shippers in the next couple weeks. Most growers will not run the russet Burbank till they have gone through the sweat which takes anywhere from 30 to 40 days. Most reports coming out of Idaho are saying the Norkotah crop is just slightly smaller in size than last years with too few reports on the Russet Burbank to report. Stay tuned. Look for the russet potato market to continue to weaken till everything is in storages by the middle of October.

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

Eastern Washington – red and gold potatoes are steady, and both are still peaking on A size. Cs remain limited in both colors. The quality has been good.

Western Washington – reds, whites, and golds are all steady, and all are peaking on A size. Because they are just getting the season started, the availability is light for all colors, especially in #2s. The quality is good.

Stockton, California – they have finished for the season.

Bakersfield, California – reds, whites, and golds are steady on all colors. We expect the availability to improve this week for all colors, the quality has been good.

Idaho – reds are steady on all sizes and remain heavy to A size. Golds are steady and are split evenly between A and B size. The quality is good.

Wisconsin – the red market is slightly lower on As and Bs, other sizes are steady. The gold market is steady with good availability. The quality has been good for both colors.

Minnesota – reds are steady and are still peaking on A-size but the market is firm as their season is winding down. Gold potatoes are steady and also heavier to A size, but supplies are down as the end of the season approaches. The quality has been good.

North Dakota – a couple of shippers are just starting to pack red potatoes.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
North Dakota doesn't have the volume of gold potatoes that Minnesota has so we may have a slightly stronger market there.

Transitions:
Minnesota will be finishing their red and gold potato season over the next couple weeks as North Dakota gets started.

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

Both colors of squash remain on the tight side, yellow more so than zucchini. Cooler temperatures in squash producing regions have kept squash tight for almost a month, the high prices have reduced demand enough to offset the lack of supply. The mid-Atlantic has started light supplies, there is not a lot of acreage planted in Virginia and the Carolinas this time of year. Georgia normally is poised to start their fall deal but with Hurricane Irma passing through the southeast this weekend, that supply will be postponed for at least a week. Virginia and North Carolina have not been hurt by Irma but production will be slowed by rain showers. Look for the market to stay on the tight side for at least another week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies to remain tight

Growing Region Market Quality
Seneca / Summit County, OH Steady Good
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Steady Good
Henderson / Bucomb County, NC Steady Good
Squash (Western)

With the warm weather these past few days there has been more medium size Italian and yellow squash than fancy being harvested. Brand new fields out of Santa Maria being harvested showing good quality and condition. Good demand on both Italian and yellow squash keeping a steady market.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Stone Fruit

Harvests and supplies remain steady on peaches, plums, and nectarines. There have been some minor problems from the heat wave we experienced recently. Nectarine season will be wrapping up over the next ten days. Get them while you can. Kiwi is still very tight with lower supplies of imported fruit. California is still on schedule to start late September to early October. Prices are over $30 currently. Expect prices to remain high until California starts.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Nectarine harvests will be wrapping up over the next ten days.

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

Hurricane Irma has left Florida growers to assess crop damage sending markets upward quickly. An already short supply will be met with rising demand going into next week as shippers restock coolers. NC, TN, MI, and VA are still publishing quotes as crop damages are evaluated. Mature greens have already seen an increase of 2-3 dollars this week. Roma tomatoes, following suit, have strengthened by 2- 3 dollars as well. The largest increases in price are to grape and cherry tomato varieties, increasing $5 or more. More time is required still to understand how Irma has affected crops for the rest of the year. Early crop reports are that southern parts of Florida have suffered crop loss all together making for a difficult December. Central Florida sustained a lot of rain and will require work to get back on track if at all for November. The transition crop to North Florida scheduled for October, already plagued with white fly, is questionable more so now with the storm that passed through. September may finish the season for eastern operations putting the brunt of National demand on California and Baja the next 6 to 10 weeks with Mainland Mexico not expected to begin shipping until December.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Western North Carolina Steady/Higher Good
Exmore, VA Steady/Higher Good
Benton Harbor/Byron Center, MI Steady/Higher Good
Tomatoes (Western)

California continues to work through extream heat conditions reducing hours of operation amongst picking schedules affecting yields for coming weeks. With a rising market in the east, western shippers can expect to see strength in their pricing, as well as national demand, increase the closer we get to October. Unfortunately, there is less planted acreage this year with some growers scheduled to finish in early October. Growers currently have already suffered some bloom drop allowing Mexico to sell above the minimum. Mature greens are higher at this time, and quality is fair. Sizing is on the smaller side as a result of hot weather causing larger fruit to sell at a premium. Roma production is steady in California with imports crossing McAllen and Otay Mesa helping supply. Grape tomatoes are strengthening with less available as a result of coastal weather systems. Additionally, cherry plantings are transitioning between fields shortening supply with demand driving price upward. Going into October with much of Florida out of the picture, California and Baja may be the only growing regions with fruit to offer. Elevated markets are expected through mid-December until mainland Mexico begins imports and Florida gets back on track.

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

Things You Should Know

Avocado (Mexican)
Supplies from Mexico are still at historically low levels keeping the market at extremely high. This looks to be the trend for the next three weeks.

Berries (Strawberries)
Record high temperatures and scattered rain showers have affected the quality and supply of strawberries.

Broccoli
The previous and current heat wave hitting California coupled with rains in Mexico's growing region have drastically reduced supplies. The market is extremely active.

Citrus (Lemons)
Lemons out of the Oxnard / Ventura region continue to struggle with sizing as the end of the deal is skewed heavily to small fruit.

Citrus (Oranges)
Serious shortage of Valencia Oranges persists.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Very tight supply and escalating market.

Green Onions
Extremely limited supplies are causing the market to escalate tremendously due to previous rain over the weekend and continued heat in the growing region.

Potatoes (colored)
North Dakota doesn't have the volume of gold potatoes that Minnesota has so we may have a slightly stronger market there.

Squash (Eastern)
Supplies to remain tight

Transitions and Temperatures

Citrus (Lemons)
District-3 fruit is beginning in a very small way out of the Coachella region.

Apples
Washington has started packing a few new-crop Golden Delicious and Granny Smith, but the volume is still light.

Fuji apples remain very short in Washington since only one shipper has started packing their new-crop early fruit.

Potatoes (colored)
Minnesota will be finishing their red and gold potato season over the next couple weeks as North Dakota gets started.

Pears
Washington has started packing Bosc and D'anjou pears.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is starting to move out of peak supply.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumbers are out of peak season.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Green bell pepper is moving out of peak availability.

Stone Fruit
Nectarine harvests will be wrapping up over the next ten days.

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