March 29, 2017

Spring has sprung!

As we wrap up a very wet month of March, we are back with updates and looking forward to some warm, sunny days ahead in April as we prepare for our spring harvest season.

For more information, including crop and weather reports, please scroll below.

Mexico: Mexico blackberries are still in season, although temperatures are starting to increase into the low 80's in both the Tangancicuaro and Los Reyes growing areas. Despite rising temperatures, fruit quality, size, and firmness are consistent. As we begin to harvest in the Ziracuaretiro region, we can expect volume to increase. Temperatures are ranging from lows in the 40's to highs in the 70's, with fruit quality looking great, and picking beginning next week.

Oxnard: With some wet, rainy days behind us, fields are beginning to dry out and the forecast will continue to improve as we head into April. We are still working through some damage due to the last week's harsh weather conditions, but with a warm trend emerging and high temperatures ranging from mid- to upper-70's, volume will stay in check and continue to improve as this region slowly moves into peak season.  

Despite weather conditions, the berries have held up in size, specifically the Petaluma and Fronteras varieties. Color quality improved over the weekend as the rain came to an end. Berries are at 90% full color, and will continue to be consistent.

Santa Maria: This week the weather forecast looks clear with nighttime lows in the 40's and highs in the 60's. Rain is forecasted to move back briefly from April 5-7, but not before some dry days between now and then.

The San Andreas variety has held up nicely during the last few storms with very little water damage. Color is nice and staying firm. Sizing is currently between 14-16 count, with a more uniform 12-14 count expected in the upcoming days. Fronteras appear to have great color and shape, with a lot of blossom and great fruit. These varieties are continuing to increase in quantity as weather improves.

Watsonville - Salinas: This week weather is going to be mostly clear with temperatures steady through Wednesday with highs climbing to the 70's to low-80's, then cooling off Thursday. Offshore flow brings warmer temps starting Friday. However, along with the warm-up, expect some northwesternly winds up to 35-40 mph in the Salinas Valley. With a short break from the rain, focus will be on cleaning up the fields and preparing for picking in April when spring harvest starts to speed up. Volume is expected to be decent this year once we get going.

Stay tuned for our next update when we feature California blueberries. Here's a sneak peek into how the fruit and plants are shaping up.

For up-to-date weather conditions in all of our growing regions, click on the region below. Wunderground.com is our go-to weather resource for fast and reliable weather updates. 

Santa Maria

Florida

Oxnard

Watsonville - Salinas

Mexico

Central Valley