News and Stories

Rain is expected to return to the California coast and desert growing regions on Sunday, March 6 and continue for several days. Depending on rain totals, some harvests could be delayed or cancelled; growers are packing ahead in anticipation of the wet weather. Strawberry supplies in California and Florida are plentiful this week; prices are lower. California strawberry supplies are expected to tighten next week, pending rainfall.

Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, and Squash

• Mexican bell pepper stocks are adequate, but supplies remain tight in Florida, keeping the overall market elevated
• Green and red bell pepper markets are elevated in Florida and Mexico; large sizes are especially limited
• New crop harvesting will start in Florida in approximately two weeks; the additional volume will help ease prices
• The cucumber market is rising because offshore volume is diminishing; expect high prices for the next three weeks or until new spring crop production increases in Florida
• Squash harvesting is beginning to increase in Florida, but production remains below normal; new crop harvesting will raise volume in the coming weeks

Inclement Weather Forecast for the Desert Growing Region

• Rain, low temperatures, and windy conditions are expected in the desert growing regions early next week; sporadic ice is forecast for Tuesday, March 8 and Wednesday, March 9
• Harvesting could be delayed or cancelled; growers will pack ahead to alleviate shortages
• Quality issues such as excess dirt, mechanical damage, mildew, pre-mature pinking, reduced shelf-life, wind burn, and wind damage may develop as a result 
• Frost-related issues such as epidermal blistering and peeling may develop again depending on the severity of the ice  
• Expect markets to climb next week as winter weather conditions will reduce supplies and lower yields

Rain Expected on the California Coast

• Approximately .50” to 2.00” of rain is expected to fall on the Central Coast in Oxnard, Salinas, and Santa Maria
• Quality issues such as excess dirt, mechanical damage, mildew, pre-mature pinking, reduced shelf-life, wind burn, and wind damage may develop in green leaf, romaine, and strawberry crops
• Demand is weak for most commodities, but California strawberry markets may rebound next week pending the total amount of rainfall
• Strawberry growers will harvest ahead of schedule on Friday and Saturday in anticipation of the rain; expect limited supplies early next week as crews cull fields for rain-damaged berries

Spring Transition 2016

• The spring harvesting transition from the Arizona/California desert region to the San Joaquin Valley (Huron, California) and Salinas Valley is approaching
• Huron growers will begin harvesting green leaf, iceberg, and romaine in approximately three weeks
• Salinas Valley growers will start production in late March/early April
• All trucks will load in the Salinas Valley starting Monday, April 18

Strawberries

• Supplies are plentiful in California and Florida; prices are lower than last week
• Markon First Crop Strawberries are available this week in Southern California; packer label supplies will be substituted as needed
• Quality is very good
• California supplies are expected to tighten next week, pending rainfall

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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