Spokane Produce

February 25, 2026

Market News

As we close out February, it is becoming clear that the Arizona-California desert deal is running
approximately three weeks ahead of schedule.
A combination of earlier rainfall followed by sustained above-average temperatures
accelerated crop development across much of the Yuma region. Fields matured faster than
anticipated, compressing harvest windows and tightening the overall production curve. While
crews are still cutting and sheds are running steadily, the calendar is effectively ahead of itself.
When the desert season advances this quickly, it reduces the cushion that typically exists in
late February and March. Acreage that would normally be carrying the market deeper into
spring is scheduled to be harvested sooner, and yields remain lighter than normal. The lack of
demand across the country is setting up a false feeling of adequate supplies.
Lettuce supplies have shown modest improvement this week, particularly on iceberg. Romaine
continues to be the most available, with strong internal quality and good color. Green leaf
remains steady but is sensitive to any uptick in movement. Despite the short-term stability,
there is little excess.
Brassicas are mixed. Brussels sprouts supplies have improved meaningfully after several weeks
of elevated markets, with better volume and more orderly pricing. Broccoli remains snug,
particularly as Mexican relief tapers and desert yields continue to feel the effects of earlier
weather disruptions.
Celery continues to carry an elevated tone. Prior storm damage in California and limited
recovery out of Florida have restricted overall output. Desert production is steady but not
heavy enough to fully relax pricing.
Green onions remain one of the more challenged items. Winter seed performance issues,
November rainfall, and early January wind events combined to reduce yields and prolong the
sizing issue. Smaller size is expected to persist for several more weeks.
Beyond the products, cross-border logistics have introduced additional uncertainty. Recent
disruptions in Mexico have led to rerouted freight, tighter refrigerated availability, and slower
crossings. Tomatoes, peppers, limes, avocados, mangos, and berries are most exposed. While
shipments across the border continue, volatility has increased, and transit timing
bears monitoring.
As demand builds into early spring, markets may respond more quickly than typical.
Yuma is still performing, but the margin for error is narrowing.

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