CALIFORNIA - Staple Western veg categories are keeping apace, yet teetering a fine line as the weather fluctuates. As Easter weekend approaches growing regions, what can we expect in terms of supply and demand?

The USDA reports a steady broccoli market on the West Coast, with 20 lb cartons loose of Arizona–California Crown Cuts ranging 17.00-18.00 (just over a dollar a pound), with bunches 14s ranging in prices of 15.00-16.00. Baby Hybrid bunched 18s are seeing 38.00-41.00 in price.

Quality is reported as fair, with volume matching demand compared to same time last year. In fact, sources have reported that, while down overall due too challenging weather amid otherwise solid growing conditions, there haven’t been any of the drastic trends the broccoli category has been known to take on. As Salinas gets underway with Mexico product still in the market, we will be monitoring the market for promotional volume in the leadup to Easter.

As for the days to come in key growing regions like the Salinas area, a steady cooling trend starts Wednesday, 3/26. This will bring a chance of light rain to Fresno, California, and northward mid-week, with some follow-on light rain possible in the far northern valley as late as Friday afternoon.

According to Weather Mission, a fast-moving low-pressure area is expected to make landfall Sunday morning, bringing additional light showers to the north valley through Sunday evening.

Northern California is projected to see an atmospheric river pattern, to kick off the month of April, keeping us on our toes when it comes to spring showers.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this and other key categories.