Market Outlook

BEEF
Prices will maintain a firm tone going into February. While higher value cuts are seeing seasonal declines, middle and lower-value cuts are strengthening. Tight supplies and lower packer margins are supporting prices, with concerns over potential tariffs on imported beef from Mexico. Feedlot placements are expected to rise, and retailers may scale back beef features post- holiday. However, foodservice demand remains strong, with he National Restaurant Association reporting solid foot traffic.
Prices will remain balanced in the coming weeks, despite normal post holiday declines.
Prices will shift to a stronger tone going into February, though seasonality doesn’t support a price surge until early May. Strips provide the best value relative of other high-end beef products, keeping prices more supported than in previous years.
Prices will continue to show a softer tone over the next several weeks, falling in line with seasonal trends. Demand from both retail and foodservice buyers will remain restrained as beef demand will focus on lower value items going into February.
Prices will maintain a firm tone in coming weeks, defying the normal seasonal trends for prices to trade steady. Retail demand for Tri Tips in the face of tighter supplies will enable packers to hold firm on offers for uncommitted product.
Prices will follow seasonal trends going into February and trade with a steady tone. Retail demand for Top Butts is generally steady this time of the year, however grocery stores will spread their featuring focus to other items in the meat case.
Prices will continue to show a softer tone over the next several weeks. Retail demand will remain soft until the build for demand for St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th.)
Prices will trade with a strong tone over the next several weeks, though seasonal trends suggest a gradual decline. Current retail and foodservice demand remains exceptional, with wholesale values trading at a 38% premium to normal.
Prices will continue to soften, falling in line with seasonal trends for the month. Demand for beef items from the Short Plate primal will be in high demand, but supplies will be adequate enough to keep prices steady.
Prices will continue to take on a strong tone into February. Tighter supplies of the Round primal has broadly driven up prices for related Round subprimals as consumers trade down the carcass to end cuts.
Prices will continue to show a strong tone in coming weeks, despite seasonal trends. There is a significant imbalance between demand for Chuck meat and available supplies, while retailers continue to feature Ground Chuck at high levels.
Prices will maintain a strong tone into February. Lower cow slaughter in the U.S. has tightened supplies of lean trimmings, keeping ground beef prices well supported.

POULTRY
Despite industry challenges, overall market conditions remain strong. Higher-priced competing proteins and steady chicken availability keep consumer demand focused on chicken.
WOG demand remains inconsistent, with some processors struggling with excess production of the 20- and 22-head offerings and price-sensitive buyers. Some players show initial interest in excess supply, but discounting remains a factor. Breasts and front halves are quietly supported, while traditional deboning needs remain active.
Offerings of jumbo boneless range from adequate to short, depending on the buyer. Sellers with product on hand are seeing little issue securing premium values. Medium offerings are also gaining interest due to the traditional price gap between medium and jumbo items. Low-volume input suggests interest is increasing, but transaction data remains limited. Tenders are moving consistently at mostly supportive values, with traditional buyers taking normal contracted loads.
The typical pre game demand increase has been weaker that expected, as many buyers are relying on existing inventory. Current price levels are appealing to value- oriented buyers, but major price increases have yet to materialize.
HPAI-related export bans continue to stymie processors’ ability to move product internationally, leading to a greater emphasis on domestic sales. This has prompted some processors to be more negotiable with their asking prices for many bone-in lines, though most players are maintaining supportive pricing. Steady deboning channels are helping manage production absorption, with traditional buyers continuing to purchase leg and thigh meats at stable levels.
In today’s market environment, buyers are looking for ways to optimize spending while securing product. Processors are maintaining supportive to slightly higher price points as production remains steady. However, HPAI- related export challenges and differing sales approves are making some sellers more cautious. Consumer and institutional-sized breast demand remains weak, which is typical for this time of year.
Both fresh and frozen breast meats continue to be offered. Prices are increasing.

PORK
Prices will continue to trade steady heading into February, with pork production sufficient to maintain balance. Strong packer margins and consistent slaughter rates support production, while foodservice demand continues to show year over year growth. The USDA’s Cold Storage report for month end December pegged pork inventories at 400.4 million lbs., or 12% below the 5-year average for the month. However, most of the inventory deficit can be attributed to lower Belly supplies with the remaining primal categories remain balanced. Export sales are steady but slightly below last years pace. Potential tariffs could influence future pricing.
Prices will continue to range trade over the next several weeks, falling in line with seasonal trends. While cold storage supplies of bellies remain very tight, overall pork production levels will keep prices in check.
Prices will maintain a softer tone going into February, respecting seasonal trends for the month. Domestic retail demand will remain supportive, however the combination of increased production and a softer export market will keep pricing restrained.
Prices will continue to trade steady going into February, as demand for Spareribs does not pick up until the end of March. Higher prices for competing beef cuts will provide price support, but supply levels should be sufficient to maintain balance.
Prices will take on a balanced tone over the next several weeks, respecting seasonal trends. Demand from Asian export markets for Butts has started the year strong, however, domestic buyers are unlikely to chase higher prices.
Prices are expected to remain steady to strong in the coming weeks, with market fundamentals outweighing seasonal trends. There are concerns regarding U.S. ham exports, as counter tariffs from trading partners will result in more product staying in the domestic market for absorption.

SEAFOOD
Seasonal changes and yields are affecting the outlook of seafood.
The market for blue swimming crab remains steady, and supplies remain adequate to meet demand. Pricing and availability of small-sized crab meat continues to vary significantly between sellers, depending on their individual inventory levels.
The shrimp market maintains a strong tone due to the ongoing complexities between origin markets and U.S. trading conditions. While Ecuadorian suppliers have increased their presence with HSLO and HOSO offerings at lower levels, these adjustments appear insufficient in affecting the U.S. market structure. Reports from Asian origins indicate tight supplies in smaller sizes.
The market and pricing remain steady, although larger sized Black Tiger Shrimp continue to show a firm tone due to ongoing supply considerations. Available inventory for premium sizes remains selective.
The price structure remains stable, with a firm undertone as market levels continue to stabilize.
Supply constraints became more pronounced, leading to increased prices for frozen lobster meat due to limited availability. The market for warm water lobster tails remained stable, with prices holding steady across various sizes. Regarding smaller-sized tails, there is a noted scarcity, making them challenging to procure. Overall, lobster tail prices remain stable, even amid challenges in sourcing smaller sizes. Short Term: Prices are stable
The U.S. wholesale market for frozen cold water lobster tails is experiencing steady to firm pricing across all sizes. Supply constraints have contributed to this market firmness. Overall, the market for frozen cold water lobster tails is characterized by stable to firm prices across all sizes, influenced by supply constraints in related lobster products. Short Term: Prices are stable
The U.S. wholesale market for frozen lobster meat is experiencing a notable upward trend in prices, primarily due to supply constraints. Prices for frozen lobster meat have increased. The industry anticipates supply risks until the new season begins in May. Short Term: Prices are increasing
The Canadian Snow Crab market is experiencing price increases as the industry struggles to maintain supply to meet market demand. While precise pricing data for January 2025 is limited, the Canadian frozen snow crab market is experiencing stable availability, with indications of rising prices influenced by trends in the U.S. market. Short Term: Prices remain steady but likely will increase
The market remains steady, with consistent prices and reliable supply. There has been no major shifts reported in recent months. Short Term : Prices remain steady
Pangasius wholesale prices for frozen fillets have been on the rise. This increase is attributed to various factors, including supply chain challenges and heightened demand. In addition to pricing shifts, Pangasius is gaining a larger share of the market compared to other whitefish varieties. A trend reversal, positioning pangasius ahead of tilapia, highlights a strategic shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics.
Short Term: Prices are increasing.
Keta salmon is generally priced lower than other salmon species, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking affordable alternatives. Pricing for Keta salmon can vary based on factors such as quality, size, and supplier. Prices for other types of salmon remain high, positioning Keta salmon as a more economical choice in the current market with 4/6/8oz fillets with inventory available for Lent. Short Term: Price increasing
Prices in the Norwegian salmon wholesale market are experiencing a downward trend. Spot prices have been easing, and sellers have faced increasing competition in anticipation of the Chinese New Year. The market remains dynamic, with demand and sales staying strong in early 2025. Short Term: Price remains steady/decreasing
The Chilean frozen salmon wholesale market is characterized by rising prices and robust export performance, with ongoing efforts to enhance market transparency through proposed price reporting initiatives. Short Term: Price Increasing
The price of frozen tilapia fillets has increased, influenced by supply constraints and increased demand. While inventory levels remain stable, the market is expected to face tight supply conditions in the first half of 2025. Buyers should monitor these developments closely to navigate the market effectively.
Short term: Steady Price
With lower production during the holidays and many fish in ponds being smaller, sizes aren’t as prevalent as we’d like, especially for whole fish. Production is ramping up after the holidays, and we don’t anticipate any significant price changes. We are expecting seasonal weather, which may occasionally impact production. Some inventory is being sold at lower costs going into the new year, but this has slowed down recently. Overall, the market remains steady.
With 3 months until new season opens, boats are taking a few opportunities to fish in sections known as “Closed Area’s”; area’s that the government opens up for a limited time to gauge the growth of scallops and helping to determine when they can be reopened again. The catch has been mostly 20/30’s and very good quality. Short term: Pricing remains stable.

DAIRY
Weekly milk production reports have shown steady to higher output across the country, even in the face of ongoing HPAI in California.
The shell egg market continued to forge to new all time highs this past week, finding support from the ongoing spread of HPAI across the country.
Weekly milk production reports have shown steady to higher output across the country, even in the face of ongoing HPAI in California. So far in 2025, there has been a dramatic slowdown in new HPAI cases in California, which should help bolster January volumes. When combined with slightly higher herd sizes than last year, and strong milk components, milk volumes are noting improvements. However, nearby demand from bottlers and strong demand into cheese plants have tightened up spot milk availability. On the cream side, strong milk fat tests have continued to bring an abundance of cream to the market as supplies are burdensome and have weighed on multiples.
The butter market is pushing to new nearby lows and is at its lowest level since June 2023. The combination of renewed buying interest is competing with solid production schedules and cheap cream availability. Despite a large 12.3% YOY decline in California’s November butter production, the rest of the county continues to churn at elevated rates and pushed national output 4.4% higher than last year. Even with record domestic demand, the market remains comfortable into Q1. The seasonal trend points towards rebounding output through Q1, which is certainly the expectation this year as well. When combined with strong butterfat content, cream is readily available at cheap multiples and should encourage strong churn rates.
Cheese prices remain volatile and are pushing back higher this week. The market is still in transition as increased production is starting to come online and supplies look to recover from historically tight levels. Recent reports point towards steady to higher cheese production rates across all regions in the US, despite milk supplies still being in high demand. With overall demand still only steady at best, this should push more product onto the market into Q1 along with the new plant capacity coming online. This will be necessary to rebuild the tight stocks of U.S. cheese as the recent USDA cold storage report for December showed stocks of all cheese -6% YOY and American cheese stocks -7.8% YOY. Overall, the market is looking ahead to increased cheese production given steady to higher manufacturing schedules and improved milk output across most of the country. All cheese exports have remains strong, but cheddar sales have not been as impressive. Going forward, these sales could face some headwinds from potential trade wars in Q1.
The shell egg market continued to forge to new all time highs this past week, finding support from the ongoing spread of HPAI across the country. So far this month there have been 14.265 million layers removed from production across the country as a result of bird flu. December saw an additional 14.1 million birds impacted. As a result, the smaller flock sizes due to HPAI outbreaks have greatly limited the amount of shell eggs coming to market, keeping competition firm and prices well supported. Longer term, producer margins are still solid due to the lower YOY feed costs and record high shell egg values, and should drive flock expansion into 2025. Conventional shell egg inventories are still well below prior year levels, while cage free inventories remain near their highest levels since May. Conventional shell egg prices were higher this past week to a new record, while cage free shell egg values finished unchanged at the recent record high prices.

GRAINS & OILS
The grain and oilseed markets are rangebound to higher this week as the trade awaits the looming February 1st deadline around possible US tariffs on Canada, Mexico and possibly China. With corn and soybean exports doing well in recent weeks, trade disruptions could certainly shift market perspective. When combined with the recent supply reductions from the USDA on domestic corn and soybeans, the market continues to find willing buyers on pullbacks in price. While wheat balance sheets remain essentially unchanged, its recent strength has been tied to the rally in corn prices pushing wheat back into feed rations and driving some nearby demand. Globally, wheat is also finding support from the much anticipated slowdown in Black Sea exports in the coming months and the potential for new U.S. export demand as a result. However, with slower global order interest this has yet to be seen and wheat values remain a follower to outside markets. Down in South America, recent hot and dry weather in Argentina has added risk premium into the corn and soybean markets, while the coming weeks are expected to provide some much needed moisture. Brazil is just starting what should be a record soybean harvest but is dealing with excess moisture in the North that is keeping harvest slow and delaying the start of the Safrinha corn crop planting. Both remain supportive to the overall grain markets nearby.
Soybean oil prices have back off from their highs this past week as the market carves out a new trading range. Government guidance on the biofuel program earlier this month prompted the current elevated prices as imported used cooking oil, and potentially imported canola oil, will no longer qualify for the biofuel tax credits. There is still plenty of risk that the Trump administration will reduce renewable fuels mandates, but the current guidance suggests more nearby use of soybean oil. Also, ongoing soybean oil exports is keeping a floor underneath the market as U.S. soy oil remains competitive vs. palm oil prices globally.
The canola market remains in flux ahead of the potential for U.S. tariffs to be enacted on February 1st against Canadian imports. Chinese imports of Canadian canola seed dropped over 12% in December as their anti-dumping investigation continues. When combined with the recent U.S. government guidance on biofuel indicating that canola oil would be less viable as a feedstock into renewable diesel, canola and canola oil demand is uncertain. RBD canola oil basis was lower last week.
Palm oil futures are finding support of the prior week lows after narrowing its premium over soybean oil. With palm still more expensive than alternative oils globally, export have remained slow. End of November Indonesian palm oil stocks were reported at 2.583 million metric tons, up slightly from 2.502 million in October but well below 3.216 million last year and the lowest for the month in eight years.

PRODUCE
DOWNLOAD THE MARKON FRESH CROP REPORT
Arugula supplies are rebounding as the Arizona/California desert growing regions experience a warming trend this week. Supplies are below-normal levels, but will sufficiently meet demand. Quality issues caused by recent freezing temperatures, including purple cast and yellowing will decrease in the coming weeks.
- Arugula is temperamental to temperature swings, hot or cold
- Temperatures from 28˚F to 35˚F will:
- Slow plant maturity
- Turn arugula yellow
- Cause purple cast/shading on the edge and tips of leaves
- Reduce shelf-life due to dehydration and wilting; cell walls are damaged by freezing temperatures
Elevated markets continue to ease. Peruvian imports are light but Mexican production will increase steadily throughout February. Markon First Crop (MFC) Asparagus is available.
Mexico
- New crop quality ranges from very good to excellent
- Production continues to ramp up in Caborca, Mexico
- All sizes, extra-large and jumbo in particular, are seeing increasing availability alongside additional harvests
- Additional customs enforcement. inspections, and checkpoints on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border have led to some delays in product crossings, but truly abundant supplies will help avoid any shortages that could result in such issues throughout the next two to three weeks
- Expect markets to ease over the next two to four weeks as additional acreage comes online and weather warms
Peru
- Supplies (shipped into Miami, Florida) are tight; volume is extremely low amid hot weather during the Peruvian summer
- Quality is fair, with much longer transit times relative to Mexican-grown product
- Should tariffs add cost to Mexican supplies, Peru may act as a small relief valve, but it will not be able to support all national demand
Green bell pepper supplies are plentiful in Florida and Mexico; markets are easing. Red bell pepper volume is increasing in Sinaloa, Mexico; prices are lower.
Green Bells
- MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green Bell Peppers are available
- Florida is currently in heavy production due to favorable weather
- Temperatures should remain steady in the 80’s for the next 10 days
- Expecting adequate volume and very good quality
- Stocks are ample out of Sinaloa, Mexico
- Demand has weakened due to favorable Florida conditions
- Quality is good; all sizes are available
- Expect low prices over the next week
Red Bells
- MFC and ESS Red Bell Peppers are available
- Production is underway in the Sinaloa, Mexico region
- Weather is ideal
- New crop quality is great
- All sizes are available
- Florida volume remains low this week
- Expect slightly lower prices over the next two weeks
MFC Premium Broccoli is being harvested in Arizona, Northern Mexico, and Central Mexico (loading in South Texas).
Arizona/California Desert and California’s Central Coast
- Markets are steady at moderate-to-lower levels
- Supplies remain widely available
- Quality is very good; some lots are exhibiting small crown size following weeks of cold weather
- Warmer day and nighttime temperatures are increasing yields and crown size
- Limited production continues in Santa Maria, California
- Expect prices to remain steady to lower as production increases in step with or even ahead of rising demand
Mexico
- Mexican-grown MFC Premium Broccoli is available in South Texas
- Quality is very good
- Markets range from steady to lower through February, with a sizeable spread compared to domestic desert price levels
The Salinas season has come to an end. Mexican supplies are ample. MFC and Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Brussels Sprouts are available.
- Expect minimal domestic volume year-round out of Oxnard, California and Yuma, Arizona
- Quality is good; puffy texture and seeder are present in some fields
- All sizes are available
- Markets will continue to hold at lower levels through mid-February amid abundant supplies
Central American cantaloupe and honeydew stocks remain limited but are increasing; prices are slightly lower.
Cantaloupe
Central America
- Central American cantaloupe volume is slowly rising; prices are slightly lower
- Tropical Storm Sara impacted Central America in late November, disrupting crops
- Delayed vessels and port congestion are causing occasional delays
- Size will vary by shipment and grower; Markon may recommend substitutions based on availability
- Expect yields to slowly increase over the next three weeks, returning to near-normal levels in March (barring any unforeseen weather events)
- Markets will ease as volume climbs
Honeydew
Central America/Mexico
- Central American honeydew volume is increasing; markets are easing
- Tropical Storm Sara impacted Central America in late November
- Delayed vessels and port congestion are causing occasional delays
- Central American volume is increasing as growers move into replanted lots and secondary growing regions
- Mexican volume (crossing into Nogales, Arizona) is increasing weekly, helping offset demand for offshore fruit
- Size will vary by shipment and grower; size substitutions may be recommended based on availability
- Expect volume to slowly increase over the next three weeks, returning to near-normal levels in March (barring any unforeseen weather events)
- Prices are inching down
ESS Cauliflower is limited; packer label is being substituted as necessary.
- Supplies out of the Holtville, California and Yuma, Arizona regions are tight; minimal volume is also available in Santa Maria, California
- Expect a wide range of pricing and availability between suppliers; many are behind schedule from previous weeks of cold weather
- Overall quality is good; slow growth and smaller sizing continue to affect yields
- This week’s higher temperatures will promote growth
- Markets are becoming slightly more active as demand picks up, but should stabilize in 10 to 14 days as favorable weather increases stocks
Cucumber prices are low; supplies are abundant. Mexican quality is a step above Honduran cucumbers shipped into Florida ports. MFC Cucumbers are available.
- Warm weather has increased yields in Sinaloa, Mexico
- Quality is excellent
- Large sizes are the least abundant and command higher prices
- Honduran imports are being shipped into Florida ports; quality is fair
- Florida growers are experiencing a harvesting gap; production is expected to begin again in the next two weeks
- Expect low markets over the next week
Following three consecutive weeks of freezing temperatures in the Arizona/California desert growing region, temperatures are higher this week. Warm weather will peak today, then cool down yet remain above seasonal averages.
Green Leaf
- MFC Premium Green Leaf is available
- Quality is very good
- Yellowing outer leaves are being removed at the field level
- Harvesting crews are avoiding uneven heads
- Demand is strengthening; industry supplies vary from supplier to supplier following consecutive weeks of freezing temperatures that slowed growth
- Markets will be steady to slightly higher this week
Iceberg
- MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is sporadic due to low weights; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed
- Quality is good
- Epidermal blistering/peeling, growth cracks, and lower weights are being observed in many lots
- This week’s warmer weather will further exacerbate blister and peel quality issues
- Demand is strong; industry supplies are tighter, pushing markets higher
- Expect price increases this week
Romaine
- MFC Premium Romaine is available
- Quality is strong; epidermal blistering and peeling are present following consecutive lettuce ice events but reduced compared to prior seasons
- Demand is strengthening; however, supplies remain ample
- Markets are expected to remain steady this week
Blueberry supplies are ample; raspberry and blackberry quality has been affected by cold weather and rains.
Blueberries
- Expect markets to remain level
- Demand is steady
- Quality is very good
- Production has begun to slow in Mexico
- Peruvian berries are available
- Chilean shipments have started arriving in the U.S.
Blackberries
- Prices are stable
- Mexican berry yields are increasing after a recent cold snap
- Demand is steady
- Quality will improve as warmer weather is forecast
- Expect markets to remain steady
Raspberries
- Markets will remain elevated for the next three weeks
- Mexican supplies are tightening
- Cooler weather coupled with rain has created quality issues
- Medium berries dominate size
- Quality is good; lighter color and small size have been reported
Orange prices are steady; supplies are plentiful in multiple growing regions. Expect this trend to continue through February.
California
- MFC and ESS Navel Oranges are available
- Large sizes (56- and 88-count fruit) are limited; smaller sizes (113- and 138-count fruit) are plentiful
- Navel quality is very good; sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix
- Expect steady markets and ample supplies
Mexico
- Mexican imports (crossing into Nogales, Arizona) are available
- Great quality is forecast; sugar levels will range from 12-13 Brix
- Prices will be comparable to those in Florida and Texas
Florida
- The new crop Valencia season has begun
- Stocks will be dominated by 138-count and smaller sizes
- Quality is fair; greening and early decay have been reported
- Prices will be comparable to those in Mexico and Texas
Texas
- Valencia oranges will ship through April
- Quality is good; sugar levels range from 11-12 Brix
- Expect steady markets and tight supplies
Potato markets remain steady; storage supplies are readily available in the Pacific Northwest. Mixer volume is adequate in Colorado, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Forecasts call for rain, snow, and freezing temperatures that will slow production.
- Below-freezing temperatures along with showers and snow are forecast to persist in Eastern and Southern Idaho over the next 7-10 days
- Temperatures need to be 18°F or higher for 5 to 7 hours to haul potatoes from cellars to packing sheds; hauling when temperatures are below 18°F will freeze them
- Expect reduced production and delayed loading; advanced order lead time is highly recommended for order fulfillment
- Many suppliers will utilize onsite storage to cover orders
- Other concerns are potential road closures and packed ice on trailers leading to smaller payloads in order to maintain legal weights
MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available in Idaho and North Dakota. The Wisconsin season is ending while Florida production is just starting. Markets remain relatively steady.
Idaho
- Red and yellow supplies are adequate
- Prices are level
- Size A and B dominate reds while yellow stocks are dominated by sizes A and C
- Quality is very good
North Dakota
- Both colors are in sufficient supply with stable pricing
- Red A No. 2s and yellow B No. 1s are ample
- Quality is very good; reds are exhibiting light color
Wisconsin
- The red season has ended
- Yellow supplies are diminishing quickly due to quality concerns
- Suppliers will utilize reds from North Dakota and yellows from Colorado to supplement Russet orders
Colorado
- Red markets are increasing while yellow prices remain steady
- The red season will wind down over the next four to six weeks; yellow supplies are ample
- Yellow quality is good; reds will exhibit light color and occasional blemishes
Michigan
- Both red and yellow markets are stable
- Red yields are dominated by A grades; all yellows are abundant
- Quality very good; reds are light in color
Washington
- Both red and yellow supplies are tight; markets are slowly rising
- Quality is very good; color is deep
Florida
- Both red and yellow supplies are available
- New crop markets are elevated
- Mixer volume is average to start the season
- Quality is excellent due to optimal growing conditions
Zucchini markets are easing due to favorable growing conditions in Florida and Mexico this week. Yellow squash volume remains low. MFC Zucchini and Yellow Squash are available.
- Mexico’s new crop zucchini production is ramping up due to excellent weather in Sinaloa
- Yellow squash supplies are slowly increasing
- Higher volume is expected next week
- New crop quality is good
- Yellow squash is limited in Florida due to fewer plantings, but warm weather is increasing yields
- Zucchini supplies are ample
- Overall quality is good
- Yields will continue to increase due to favorable weather conditions
- Expect promotable zucchini prices next week
- Elevated yellow squash prices will start to inch down over the next two weeks
The Santa Maria and Oxnard, California growing regions expect rain next Tuesday, February 4 and Wednesday, February 5; harvesting and loading may be delayed.
Santa Maria, California
- The spring season has begun
- Size currently ranges from 9 to 14 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; green shoulders are being reported
- Expect prices to inch up for the next 10 days
Oxnard, California
- MFC Strawberries are available
- Volume has fallen; cool weather has slowed growth
- Size currently ranges from medium to large (12-20 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Quality is good; color is deep red and flavor is sweet
- Expect markets to remain firm for the next 10 days
Mexico (into South Texas)
- Supplies are limited
- Size ranges from medium to large (22-26 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Quality is good; small size, white shoulders, and misshaped berries have been reported
- Prices are steady
Florida
- MFC Strawberries are available
- Supplies are ample
- Size ranges from small-medium to medium (24-28 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Quality is good
- Markets are stable
- Dehydration/wilting
- Decreased or inconsistent case weights
- Wind damage
- Epidermal blistering & peeling
- Shortened shelf-life potential
- Yellowing leaves