With abundant supplies of lettuce this season, prices have been relatively low. But a short term dip in production will likely cause the market to firm up in the short-term.Production dropped off last week as storms passed through the state. Though the effects of heavy rain and hail won't linger, the short-term drop in yield will buoy prices which have been low.
“The market picked up last week,” says Joe Kaslin of Bengard Ranch. “There were production issues due to some hail, and as a result, prices are picking up off the floor.” He expects production to pick up within two weeks.
Mark McBride, sales manager at Coastline Produce, says they've experienced lower production out of their growing areas in Huron. That was caused by the weather, and the result has been depressed movement of their lettuce. But, like Kaslin, he doesn't think production will be hampered much into the future.
“We're in our last week of production in Huron,” he says, “and we're at the part of our season where we transition to Salinas.” And though he admits it's been a tough year for lettuce, the dip has made for firmer prices.
Kaslin also notes the improved prices, and believes the market could pick up momentum.
“Seasonally, we're in a transition period right now,” he says, “and historically, demand picks up this time of year.”