Rain disrupts California strawberries

Markon Cooperative {{BB #:123315}} released this crop update February 27, 2023:

California’s weather forecast is calling for rain in Santa Maria and Oxnard, California, Monday, February 27 through Wednesday, March 1. All member DCs are advised to load out of South Texas or Florida for best possible coverage.

Santa Maria, California 

• The region received 1.00 – 2.00” of rain over the past 72 hours
• Harvesting has been cancelled today, February 27; many growers will cancel production tomorrow as well
• Supplies will be extremely limited for the next 7-10 days

Oxnard, California

• The region received 2.00 – 3.00” of rain over the past 72 hours
• Harvesting has been cancelled today, February 27; many growers will cancel production tomorrow as well
• Supplies will be extremely limited for the next 7-10 days

Central Mexico (Loading in South Texas)

• Yields are declining rapidly due to heat-related quality issues
• Some growers seeing a 50% decline in production from last week
• Quality is average; soft fruit and bruising have been reported
• Expect to see supplies tighten as Mexico fills shortages from California

Florida

• Production has moved past its peak but is expected to be steady for next three to four weeks
• Quality is good; white shoulders and bruising are problems due to temperature increases
• Expect good supplies through March