Cucumbers – We’re getting some beautiful cucumbers out of the western part of our state right now, and cooler more northern states are in peak production for the season, keeping markets lower. We expect to see increases toward the end of the month as heat becomes a factor for them. European cucumbers, though, are in short supplies due to a gap in planting schedules.
Asparagus – Market has stabilized somewhat with supply meeting most of the demand. We’re currently seeing a little better flow of volume coming from Peru, but Mexico is still low in volume. Prices are still high due to the Labor Day holiday which increased the demand. Quality continues to be good.
Blueberries – Still good supplies on blueberries this week as we continue in Canada and Michigan and Peruvian imports begin. Full transition to imports will be late September. Expectations are a gradually increasing market as remaining domestic supplies decrease in production over the coming weeks.
Corn – Many of the northern growing regions will finish in the next couple of weeks as the temperatures start to cool off. We’ll make the move to Georgia as soon as they’re ready, but we may see a gap in between with shorter supplies.
Lettuce – Iceberg and leaf lettuce supplies are steady this week. The recent heat has pushed some fields to maturity ahead of schedule. Overall quality is reported as fair as damage from the recent heat wave is evident in much of the lettuces. The weather forecast calls for warm temperatures again this weekend.
Pears – We are now shipping new crop Bartlett pears out of California and Washington State. The crop is shorter than last year, and prices are expected to be higher as a result. The pears did not grow as large as last year, so we are expecting a tight market on the high quality fruit. Overall, we expect pricing on all sizes and packs to be higher than last year due to the smaller crop and inflationary costs.
Potatoes – Idaho potato shippers are shipping potatoes again, but prices are starting out very high this season. Reds and white Kennebecs are a great choice as their pricing is way down this week.
Strawberries – Hot days in California’s berry fields have strawberry growers warning everyone of less than desired quality. With the berries starting out in a weakened state due the high temps when picking, they are showing a lot of bruising caused by shipping.
Tomatoes – Still plenty of tomatoes locally from many sources. Quality is very good and pricing is staying very favorable. Keep promoting your local tomato growers!
A king and a queen walk into a bar.
The bartender says “I’m sorry, you’re not 21”
