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Watsonville-Salinas:
Temperatures this week have been in the mid 70s, with mid 50s at night. The next few days temperatures will jump into the mid to high 80s, and potentially even 90s through Friday, and cooling back into the 70s by Sunday. As always and especially during this period of hot temperatures, employee health and heat prevention is our main concern. We look forward to being back into moderate weather conditions over the weekend and into next week.
Overall, strawberry quality is good with nice shape, color and size. Our biggest concern we are seeing is a higher percentage of decay here and there. We anticipate seeing darker and softer fruit with the warm temperatures on the way. As the days get shorter and labor gets tighter, our volume will drop each week in September going into October.
As for raspberries - our current hurdle is dark fruit due to the warm temperatures. We are working hard with crews to keep a clean pack through the heat. Numbers will increase late September into October as we get into our fall crop.
Blackberry peak production began two weeks ago and will stay consistent through September. With the warm weather, we are seeing softer fruit in the afternoon and some red cells - all of which are being monitored thoroughly. Volume will start to fall once we get into October.
Santa Maria:
Weather in Santa Maria is warming up and is forecasted to reach the high 80s - low 90s into the weekend. During this time, crops will be monitored diligently through the heat, and overall crews are doing an excellent job of keeping packs clean. Our conventional Monterey crop is coming down in size at 22-25 count, with Portola and our organic fall crop both at 18-22 count. Numbers should steadily increase over the next few weeks.
Blueberries:
Oregon:
Volume in Oregon is winding down, with our organic production out of the Northwest finished for the season. Overall, movement has been slow and the season is is coming to an end soon, but quality remains consistent.
British Columbia:
British Columbia is finished for the season
Mexico
Mexico is packing light volumes. They will continue packing pints this week and next week.
Mexico:
The weather is similar to last week- most regions having cloudy weather and scattered rains during the day, with a few sunny days here and there during the week. In the evening, we have storms across all regions. The temperatures are the same as last week in most regions - ranging from 59-82 degrees, with Mavaratio slightly cooler at 52-76 degrees.
Blueberries - We are expecting an increase in volume. Guanajuato has the primary production of blueberries and this will increase numbers. The quality continues with good firmness and bloom. Weather is not effecting production and volumes overall will increase week after week.
Raspberries - weather is improving for our raspberry crop. The current climate and the proper temperatures are accelerating the ripening of the green fruit. In general, the quality is good in color, firmness and counts. Volume will increase over the next few weeks.
Strawberries - we have finished planting the remaining fields - the production looks good, with no side effects from the climate.
Blackberries - production and quality are currently looking good, with volumes to increase each week.
South America:
Peru's production is currently slow, but numbers are expected to increase week by week and quality is looking good. The main variety being harvest at this time is Biloxi. In Argentina and Uruguay - are primary variety being harvested is Snowchaser - with the rest to follow in about 3 weeks. Argentina has had adverse weather conditions and rain, and export volumes are short. However overall, fruit looks good with good size, firmness.
Florida:
Our Florida season is just a few weeks out from harvest. Fields and crops are ready to go with our our first pick set for September 26th. Stay tuned for more photo updates soon!
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.
Produce industry friends: mark your calendars and meet us at the finish line!
In just a few weeks our team of dedicated rider's will complete their 300+ mile journey from Carmel to Anaheim at the PMA Fresh Summit Convention in riding to raise funds for Salad Bars to Schools.
Let's be sure to be there to cheer them on as they finish the Tour and present salad bars to two of the various school districts across the U.S. that they are supporting this year, a check presentation and speeches from school foodservice directors and dignitaries in attendance. It's going to be an afternoon to remember! See you there!
It's always easy to spot our classic blue label!
