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Weather in this region has been nice and mild, with temperatures in the low 70s and nighttime lows in the 50s. Over the next few days nighttime lows should dip down into the lower 50 range, with cooling temperatures that our berries love. That being said, we will be heading into another heat trend, but highs are only forecasted to reach the 80s inland, with coastal temperatures to remain in the 70s. We anticipate a dry rest of the month with no rain on our radars. Quality varies from ranch to ranch, with soft and overripe fruit being our most common challenge at the moment. Most crews are on a 4-5-day rotation due to labor shortage. However, as days get shorter and nights get cooler, this 4-5 rotation should be fine for our crops. Volume industry-wide is anticipated to decrease each week for the remainder of the season primarily due to labor.
Santa Maria:
This week we have experienced temperatures in the mid 70s with nighttime lows in the 50s, and a lot of afternoon wind. We foresee a warming trend ahead this week – with highs projected in the upper 80s – while nighttime lows should remain in the 50s – which should help firm up fruit. Our fall crop and conventional strawberry varieties are looking the best currently, and are predominantly 18-22 count. Our blackberry crops are bouncing back this week from the harsh weather in weeks past, with these cooler nights helping in this rebound process.
Mexico:
All growing regions in Mexico can anticipate highs in the 70s and lows in the mid to high 50s going into this week. We foresee cloudy days among these temperatures, with a 50% chance of rain. We were experiencing clear, sunny days until last week when heavy rainfall hit our regions – specifically Zamora. We anticipate weather conditions to maintain like this through this week and next. This weather is holding back our strawberry production in Zamora. Our raspberries and strawberries should be set for harvest in mid-October, with our Maravatío straws at 28 count or less. Blackberries are coming in with great quality, in addition to our blueberries in Celaya.
Florida:
Despite the effects of Hurricane Irma, our Florida growing region has only experienced minimal damage. Fields are dried up, and we were right on schedule this season for our planting, which started last Friday. Our planting process should take 10-12 days - we are currently planting our Florida Beauty variety. This variety should be ready for harvest the first week of November. Despite the 12-15 inches of rain received and 85-115 mph winds, fields look good and we look forward to our season here in Florida.
Blueberries:
The Northwest is winding down fast, with tentative end dates being this week in British Columbia and next week in Oregon and Michigan. Starting December 25th, our blueberries will be all imports from Argentina, Peru, Chile and Mexico. Argentina began picking lightly this week, with Peru set to start next week. Mexico will begin in two weeks, with Chile anticipated to start the first of November.
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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Cal Giant strawberries spotted at Pier 31 in San Francisco!
