October 2, 2020

Strawberries
Watsonville- Salinas:

Weather has been in the high 80s this week, with next week cooling down to the high 60s. Overnight lows are expected to drop down which signals Fall. Adequate overnight chill hours will be welcome for the berries and growers alike who are preparing their spring planting schedule. Growers are seeing less decay, and the strawberries are firm with a nice light color compared to what we’ve seen the past few weeks. The harvest season is winding down for this area, typical for this time of year but the back to back heatwaves did participate in setting the completion date of late November. Crop Counts: Conventional: 20-24; Organic: 28-32.

Santa Maria:

Weather in Santa Maria has been warmer than average, going into another heatwave this weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach mid 90s through the weekend but should return to normal (low 70s) by early next week. Production is ramping up to peak in the next few weeks. Quality has been a struggle this week, but are already seeing signs of improvement. The organic fall crop is producing some small size and deformed tips. With that said, the flavor is superb. Crews are focused on keeping packs clean, as plants are still working to rebound from the previous week’s weather fluctuations. Overall pack counts continue to vary by ranch. Conventional: 22-24; Organic: 14-18 / 24-28.

Mexico:

The weather has shifted and our growing regions in Mexico are experiencing much less rain. Chances of rain average 10-20%, with temperatures in the 80s during the day and overnight lows in the mid-40s. Ideal weather for great quality fruit! The strawberry fields have been producing in light volumes, but production is expected to pick up late-October. Currently, overall pack counts vary by ranch. Conventional: 14-18; 18-20 / 24-28.

Florida:

Growers are pleased with the good weather conditions, with highs in the 80s and overnight lows in the mid 60s. First day of planting was Tuesday. Harvest is expected to begin early November.

Blueberries
Mexico:

South America:

Intermittent rain in Argentina over the last couple of weeks has caused Argentinian production to be lighter than originally expected. As a result, volume has been light from Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay. Quality has been mostly good with good size, bloom, and firm berries. Some redback on the fruit but that issue is improving as ripening and maturity increases in the field. Peru reported some beautifully sized fruit, 18 mm+, that will be packed into 18oz clams.

Raspberries
Watsonville-Salinas:

Quality has really improved in the last week, which will allow growers to end their summer season on a good note. Volume will start to fall through the month of October.

Mexico:

Conversely, volume out of Mexico is increasing drastically throughout the next month, higher than the original forecast. We anticipate promotable volumes of ideal quality raspberries now through December.

Blackberries 
Watsonville-Salinas:

Decent volume is expected for another three weeks before the season comes to a close.

Mexico:

The decrease in rain and humidity is expected to improve quality issues reported lately. Some ranches have seen leaky, red cell and overripe berries recently, but good weather and a lot of flower and green fruit is providing a positive forecast of good quality fruit for Mexico’s blackberry season.