Spokane Produce

September 9, 2026

Market News

September means different things to different people. For some, it means
pumpkin spice and the start of football season. Around the Salinas Valley, I like
to hang on to the last few days of summer, when it’s still light out late and
there’s enough daylight to squeeze in 18 after work.
This week’s weather is certainly helping that argument.
A significant heat wave is moving across California’s Central Coast, with
temperatures expected to reach the upper 80s to mid-90s near the coast and
push above 100 degrees farther inland in both the Salinas and Santa Maria
Valleys.
That heat is arriving at a tough time. Many crops are already dealing with insect
pressure, disease and maturity issues, and another stretch of elevated
temperatures will only add more stress.
Lettuce and romaine are seeing internal burn, disease and insect pressure
resulting in lighter case weights. Broccoli, broccolini, Brussels sprouts, cabbage
and cauliflower continue to battle Diamondback Moth activity. Tender leaf
items are showing more bolting, yellowing, insect pressure and shorter shelf-
life potential. Value-added lettuce and romaine blends will also be worth
watching closely as higher temperatures increase respiration rates and can
accelerate breakdown, premature pinking and shelf-life concerns.
Strawberries remain one of the most strained items in the market. Salinas
and Watsonville production has been declining for several weeks, with
some newer varieties producing smaller, less resilient fruit. Thin skins and
bruising continue to be an issue, and the current heat will only add more
pressure to quality and shelf life. Santa Maria is slowly improving, but those
gains are not enough to offset the losses farther north. Demand continues
to exceed supply, and pricing is expected to remain elevated until
additional volume from Mexico, Baja and eventually Oxnard begins to build.
Melons are dealing with a different version of the same weather story.
Recent cooler temperatures slowed growth in the San Joaquin Valley and
reduced overall volume. This week’s heat should help, but it may be
arriving a little late as the California Westside deal begins winding down
and production starts shifting toward Nogales.
Cantaloupe supplies are tightening, particularly on larger fruit, while 15-
count remains especially limited. Honeydew volume has also declined, with
smaller sizes such as 8-count running short. Quality remains good on both
items, but as California production declines and the transition continues,
markets should continue to move higher before settling later in September.
For now, summer is hanging on right along with us. A few more hot days can
still have a big impact this time of year, especially on crops that have
already been through a long season.

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