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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 11/24/08:
Well Mother Nature has once again created havoc for growers throughout the
Western growing regions. A strong and stubborn high pressure system will remain
in place over the Western United States into early next week. Following weeks of
warm temperatures, the recent and current heat wave, and accompanying very
strong winds have battered the Southern California and Desert growing regions.
This high pressure system will move to the east around mid-week with seasonal
temperatures expected thereafter.
As crops continue the transition to desert locals lettuce and leaf stands are
producing relatively low yields and carton weights. Iceberg stands are showing
smallish head size, irregular solidity and misshapen, ribby head formation with
some sun discoloration, growth crack, fringe and tip burn at pack-out as harvests
begin. Romaine and leaf stands are also producing undersized, ribby heads with
some seeders and fringe burn evident in these early lots. Recent hot temperatures
and very strong winds (20-35mph) with gusts up to 50mph will not help with future
yields and quality. These winds will increase fringe burn and leave lettuce and leaf
stands somewhat tattered and torn and with lesser/dehydrated texture. The
blowing sand, dust and silt will also likely embed itself in between the leaves of
lettuce and leaf supplies leaving a dusty or dirty appearance. Dirt and silt will also
settle on broccoli and cauliflower heads adding a little Arizona topsoil to the packout.
Unseasonably hot temperatures (upper 80s) and very strong winds (20-40mph) with
gusts up to 70mph continue to impact the strawberry growing region (Oxnard) of
Southern California. These fields had plenty of fruit and a solid bloom prior to this
extreme wind event. Current production will likely show added bruising and wind
damage along with some dusty fruit due to the strong winds. Future supplies will
likely show an increase in catface, crease and misshapen fruit as a result of wind
damage to the current bloom. With hot and windy conditions continuing into early
next week supplies look to remain light until Mexico and Florida begin volume
production over the next few weeks.
As always the upcoming weather patterns along with demand will be the determining
factor as to supplies and quality. We will be closely watching the situation in the
various growing regions and keep you up date as we gather more information.
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