A cluster of wildfires that started on Monday, February 26, and continues to move through the panhandle of Texas made it difficult for truckers to travel. Authorities asked truckers to avoid Interstate 40 near Amarillo due to excessive smoke and limited visibility and to allow emergency vehicle access. The Smokehouse Creek Fire has engulfed over 850,000 acres, near Canadian, Texas, and is only 3% contained as of February 28, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The Smokehouse Creek Fire is part of the approximately 15 wildfires currently active in Texas.
Asparagus movement from Mexico crossings through Calexico, California, and Arizona is expected to increase due to optimal weather conditions and greater yields. Trading is very slow. Prices are lower. 28-pound cartons/crates bunched large is mostly 16.75, standard is mostly 16.75; 11 pound cartons/crates bunched jumbo mostly is 8.75-10.75, large is mostly 9.75-10.75, standard is mostly 9.75-10.75; organic large is mostly 13.75-14.75, standard is mostly 13.75-14.75.
Avocado production continues to outpace demand. Coolers remain full as the lack of sales is beginning to affect condition of older product. Shippers advised growers to consider not harvesting some fields due to heavy unsold volumes. Shipper's project wide range in prices, according to freshness and quality. Peak production is expected to be on or around March 10. Movement is expected to decrease slightly. Trading continues to be moderate.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.