IRVINE, CA - Good morning, AndNowUKnow readers!

Today, I am bringing you some of the category and weather news from around the industry. Check back twice weekly to see the latest around all growing regions.

ONE MORE SHOT OF RAIN TODAY IN CALIFORNIA

Last week, the major coastal strawberry growing regions of California received up to 2” of rain along with cold temperatures. Maximum temperatures were in the 50°s and minimum temperatures in the upper 30°s and low 40°s for the majority of the week. We should definitely have seen a reduction in the volume of strawberries coming from these regions.

Today, another storm is coming through Southern California bringing another .5” of rain to Oxnard and
Santa Maria with an additional chance of more rain on Saturday. This storm will not be accompanied by
such cold temperatures like last week.

Look for fields to finally dry out next week.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRIES TO SEE WARMING TREND THIS WEEKEND

Florida strawberry growing regions around Plant City have been unseasonably cool this week with maximum temperatures in the low 60°s and minimum temperatures in the mid 40°s. This will change starting Friday as this region of Florida will finally see maximum temperatures rise into the 70°s and minimum temperatures into the 50°s. By Sunday, look for high temperatures to break into the 80°s and low temperatures to hover around 60°, which is normal for this time of year.

Look for production of strawberries to finally pickup starting next week.

MEXICO PRODUCTION STRONG DUE TO GOOD WEATHER

The principle berry production regions of central Mexico have been experiencing perfect weather the
last several weeks leading to strong production numbers. So far this season, production numbers are up 40 percent over last year.

Look for the perfect weather conditions to continue with maximum temperatures in the low 80°s and minimum temperatures in the upper 40°s and low 50°s depending on the location. There is no chance of rain in the 10-day forecast. Quality should be good.

MEXICO WINTER VEG—SEVERAL REGIONS HIT BY A DELUGE OF RAIN LAST WEEK

Wednesday and Thursday of last week saw a very late-season tropical storm bring heavy rains to the
major western Mexico veg growing regions. Current production regions such as La Paz, Baja California Sur, received serious amounts of rain, which caused damage to crops and will lead to many days of quality issues on items from this area such as tomatoes.

Regions on mainland Mexico such as La Cruz and Culiacán, Sinaloa, also received heavy rains that will
definitely cause quality issues to items currently in production and most likely will push back the start
date for the harvest of tomatoes.

Weather going forward for all regions looks good.

Thank you as always for your support. We will be back later this week with another report.

Weathermelon