Excessive summer heat stirring produce markets
By
Ron Pelger
Excessive summer heat stirring produce markets
We are now in the hottest temperature period of summer. Excessive heat in several farming areas is causing a stress impact on various vegetable crops. Triple-digit temperatures are expected in many parts of the country. This is putting a lot of pressure on some of the produce markets. There will be some lighter supplies in various areas that are in a transition to newer fields. This may result in some higher markets.
Bell Peppers: California and eastern pepper demand is good, market steady, but starting to firm up due to heat. There is a shorter supply on colored peppers.
Lettuce: Iceberg demand is fairly light with a steady market. Leaf and Romaine lettuce markets are a bit lower. Quality looks good but is showing some heat and windburn conditions.
Sweet Corn: California demand is good on a limited supply and steady market. Georgia white corn is very light, and yellow and bi-color are light. There is a brief gap between corn fields sending the market higher while transitioning to new crops.
Cauliflower: Demand is light on a good supply from California and Mexico. Market is lower.
Broccoli: Currently an active market. Eastern crop out of Maine and Quebec have begun causing a lighter California demand.
Ron Pelger is a produce industry adviser and industry writer. He can be contacted at 775-843-2394 or by e-mail at [email protected].