News and Stories

Arizona/California Desert Region Row Crops  

• Supplies of broccoli, cauliflower, celery, lettuces, and leafy greens are limited    
• Due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, foodservice demand is slowing and retail sales are on the rise, pushing their produce demand up 20 to 30% over their six-week averages
• The Arizona/California desert region has received up to two and a half inches of rain, minimizing harvesting times due to wet and muddy field conditions
• Prices are elevated 

Cucumbers

Arizona & Texas

• Early February’s inclement weather in the Mexican growing regions has negatively affected yields for the month of March
• Crossings into Nogales, Arizona and McAllen, Texas are below normal for this time of year
• Rain and low temperatures in Mexico this week are further decreasing volume 

Florida

• East Coast availability is extremely low; demand is extremely strong due to tight Mexican supplies
• Warm weather will help increase yields a bit this week, but markets will remain elevated
• Expect high prices until new crop supplies ramp up in mid- to late April

Strawberries

Santa Maria & Oxnard

• Both regions have experienced 0.50” – 0.75” of rainfall this week
• Weather-related quality problems will include bruising, decay, mold, and off-color
• Temporarily, shippers will only pack 8/1- pound clamshells to help mitigate arrival issues

Florida & Mexico

• The weather is in the high 80s in Florida and Mexico
• Berries will exhibit some bruising, softness, and off-color in remaining packs

Squash

West Coast

• Cooler-than-normal temperatures and heavy rain will reduce volume and affect production
• New growing districts have started harvesting in a limited manner, but have not ramped up due to unfavorable weather
• Expect increasing markets through the rest of the month

East Coast

• Warmer-than-normal temperatures have contributed to adequate volume
• Strong demand caused by decreased Mexican stocks is pushing up Florida markets
• Prices will continue to rise

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

©2020 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved