January 22, 2021

Strawberries

Oxnard: 

Weather:  Ventura and surrounding counties were greatly impacted by strong, damaging Santa Ana winds that began last Monday and blew with vengeance through Thursday.

A lot of debris and dust, with downed lines and trees caused havoc for the area. A local weather station reported gusts at 88 and 95 mph on Tuesday night.

Growers monitored plants for dehydration and stress while anticipating the possibility of bloom damage once the winds pass. A lot of ranches ran their micro sprinklers to help hydrate and keep the persimilis (beneficial) alive.

Quality: Overall, the pack looks good. Fruit showing some minor issues, such as a light film of dust throughout the pack, also seeing occasional wind scars and tender skin. Pickers are being extra careful to keep damaged fruit out of the packs.

Volume: Volume was slightly higher this past week due to the warmer weather last weekend but will even out next week.

Pack Counts: Conventional: 14-16 ct.

Santa Maria:

Weather: Santa Maria experienced much less wind than in Oxnard. While some heavy guests did come through, no damage was done and plants continue to thrive. Rain is on the horizon this week which will be welcome by both growing districts to give the plants a dose of rain.

Quality: Good quality that has 90-95% color. Minor bruising and mildew has been seen by growers, but has been kept out of the packed fruit.

Volume: Steady volume; rain in the forecast for the next week may decrease the production.

Pack Counts: Conventional: 10-12 ct / Organic: 14-16, 18-20 ct depending on variety.

Mexico:

Quality: Good quality with a small amount of green tips and shoulders.

Volume: Steady

Pack Counts: Conventional: 15-26 ct / Organic: 24-28 ct.

Florida:

Quality: Good quality.

Volume: Volume to increase the latter half of next week due to warming weather trends.

Pack Count: 15-18 ct.

Blueberries

Mexico

Quality: Good quality with fruit size 12-18 mm and 18-26mm depending on variety.

Volume: Production volumes increasing.

South America:

Quality: Good quality with good size, nice bloom and great firmness.

Volume: High temperatures in the forecast this week could increase volume out of Chile.

Oxnard

Quality: Good quality with good size and bloom.

Volume: Harvesting slowed due to Santa Ana wind conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, but is forecasted to increase each week until peak in late March-early April.

Raspberries

Mexico:

Quality: Excellent quality. Growers seeing some overripe and broken fruit, but crews are working hard to keep them out of the pack.

Volume: Volume increasing slightly.

Blackberries 

Mexico:

Quality:  Good quality.

Volume:  Volume peaking the next 3 weeks.