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Local | National | Seasonal | Organic
The National Produce Report focuses on key items that are active in the marketplace. Check back often as the reports change frequently to provide you
with the most up to date information.
Outlook 7/26/10:
A substantial warm up is forecast for the Salinas Valley following
weeks of cooler temperatures. In the San Joaquin Valley triple digit temperatures will
continue with record highs possible into the weekend. Another factor to consider is the
recent very hot temperatures throughout the East impacting regional production.
California growers plant less acreage in anticipation of these regional/local supplies
however, lesser yields from these regions may increase demand for California
production impacting overall supplies. Although crop assessment in the numerous
districts will be an ongoing process we can forecast some typical results from these
extended high temperatures.
In the San Joaquin Valley triple digit temperatures continue in the region
likely hindering/stunting growth rates while increasing sun burn and heat related defects
of the various crops, affecting future yields and quality. The potential for re-greening in
the Valencia orange crop may cause growers to gas the fruit to encourage color. Sizing
issues and sunburn are common in stone fruit, grape and melon harvests following
extreme temperatures. Fresh onions tend to break down due to sun burn and bloom
drop in the tomato, squash, bean and melon stands may affect supplies down the road.
As far as the coastal growing regions are concerned (Salinas and Santa Maria) we
will have to wait and seen how the stands come through the warm up. Insect
populations are sure to rise in the warm temperatures along with mildew fringe burn,
internal burn and seeders, likely impacting yields and quality in the near future.
Romaine and romaine heart production are susceptible to internal burn problems in
these warm growing conditions. Heart material becomes very challenging to produce in
these growing conditions. Broccoli, cauliflower and celery yields will take a hit as rapid
growth in the fields take a toll on the pack out. We will likely see an increase in bead
size (broccoli) spread and hollow core as well as seeders impacting the celery stands.
Strawberry production has past it’s peak and will likely show the affects of the heat
as well. These conditions tend to produce smaller, tender, overripe fruit that is difficult
to handle and pack. You will see an increase in bruising, bleeders, green and seedy
tips and overall tender fruit for the near term. Stem supplies will likely also be severely
reduced (smaller fruit, higher counts) in these warm temperatures.
Another concern for growers are the young seedlings, transplants and tender or
baby leaf (spring mix, spinach etc) items as these crops are susceptible to extended hot
temperatures. Wilt, dehydration and general growing conditions will affect quality and
shelf life of these tender leaf items. Processed lettuce products will also show the
effects of these growing conditions with lesser texture and shelf life.
The bottom line is that most upcoming crops are likely to be affected to some degree
(yields, quality, texture, shelf life etc). Heat related defects will certainly rise as growers
do their best to combat the heat. Product may begin to bunch up leaving the possibility
of shortages as harvests continue. Keep a close eye on inventories and rotation as
lesser quality and shelf life are expected over the next couple of weeks at a minimum.
We will be closely watching the situation in the various growing regions and
keep you up to date as we gather more information.
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