Post-Tropical Storm

Post-Tropical Storm Hilary

Tues, August 22nd, 2023

Dear Ole Tyme Customers:

Weather Alert: Post-Tropical Storm Hilary

Tropical Storm Hilary brought heavy rain and winds to Southern California and Baja. Most shippers picked ahead of the storm and brought in as much product as they could over the weekend but there will be a gap in crossings to begin the week as the heavy rain and wind kept labor out of the field. We are hoping all the local deals can help take some of the demand off of Baja.

Expectations: We won’t know the FULL extent of physical damage to in-season crops until growers have more time to assess. However, reports of flooding and wind damage are common throughout impacted produce-growing areas.

COMMODITIES THAT WERE AFFECTED:

Asparagus: Central Mexico, where majority of the production is happening is unaffected. Limited damage was experienced by remaining Baja growers.
Green beans: Some growers have seed in the ground for the fall that may delay the start of their season.
Green Onions: Excessive heat in recent weeks have caused the majority of the quality and supply issues. Most green onion sheds are without power slowing the ability to cross the limited supplies across the border.
Grapes: Market is rising. Affects of the rain have not yet been realized.
Melons: Westside deal is unaffected. Winter plantings in Yuma were affected by strong wind gust. Damage is expected to be minimal due to the plants young age.
Onions: Excessive rain hindered harvesting operations. No long term affects anticipated.
Peppers: Western bell pepper markets are elevated, Oxnard got hit with heavy rains curtailing production, start of red bells out of Oxnard will be delayed until next week, hot peppers are also elevated, rain-related quality issues may be prevalent from the Baja region; mold, dimpling, scarring
Tomatoes: Reports of 2-4 inches of rain in some Baja regions, specifically grape tomatoes, got much tighter, expect higher markets with struggling quality over the next few weeks.
Squash/ Cucumbers: Expect #2 type quality to be prevalent on cucumbers and squash for at least the next 7-10 days while the plants recover from the stress of the weather.