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Strawberries
Watsonville- Salinas:
California experienced another high temperature heatwave last weekend, with temperatures reaching 105 F in some of our Watsonville growing areas. Normal temps returned for the work week with highs in the low-70s and overnight lows in the mid-50s. The forecast is for these temperatures to remain through next week, which will be a relief. Quality has been challenging given the (now) two heatwaves, compiled with already tight labor which was even shorter due to the 3-day weekend. The plants are stunned from the heat and much of the harvested fruit is soft, dark and overripe. The organic fields, especially, are showing effects from all of this. Crews are working very hard to maintain clean packs. Crop Counts: Conventional: 20-24; Organic 28-32
Santa Maria:
Weather for Santa Maria was very similar to what was had in the Monterey Bay last week. The cooler work week and normal forecast ahead is a positive. Quality of the Fall Crop is holding up well, despite the extreme weather. The plants are strong, loaded with flowers and green fruit. Reports of seedy and crooked conventional fruit and some bruising, but crews are working through this. The organic fields did take a little bit of a hit from the heat – seeing sunburn and soft berries, but growers expect to rebound well from it. Counts still vary widely depending on the block. Labor is tight across entire industry. Crop Counts: Conventional: 16-18 / 18-22; Organic: 28-32 / 14-16.
Blueberries
Oregon:
Despite a gradual decrease in overall volume as the Oregon season comes to a close by the end of the month, growers exceeded projections with this week’s harvest for both conventional and organic late-season varieties. Oregon experienced high heat last weekend and as a result, growers are reporting some soft and shrivel in the packs.
Mexico:
The Fall Crop volume out of Mexico is slowly increasing and will do so steadily now through October. Quality reports of the early fruit is very good.
South America:
Harvested volumes out of Peru are gradually increasing every day. The blueberries are beautiful in appearance and firm upon packing.
Raspberries
Watsonville-Salinas:
Last weekend’s high temperatures had a strong effect on the raspberries. Growers are reporting heat damage, sunburned and overripe fruit. We do anticipate our overall volumes to be lighter than projected as a result.
Mexico:
Weather in our Mexico growing regions has been mostly cloudy with some daily afternoon showers. The raspberries don’t seem to mind, as the volume continues to increase week over week and quality is great.
Blackberries
Watsonville-Salinas:
Some good news here. The blackberries faired pretty well through the heatwave. Growers do not expect to see long term effects, and quality of the harvested berries is good.
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.
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