CROP REPORT
Winter / Spring 2008

California
Water continues to be a major concern in California this year. Future water deliveries are directly dependent on rainfall and snow pack accumulations. Water deliveries to certain areas of the valley are also influenced by political and environmental concerns. California experienced several rain and snowstorms during the months of January and February. This storm brought seasonal rainfall and snowfall amounts up to a little above normal to date. California will need above average snowfall accumulations to recharge the valley’s aquifer and fill holding reservoirs in the Sierra foothills. When total snowfall numbers are tallied later this spring the water situation in California will become, let’s say, clearer.

Broccoli
Pack is scheduled to begin by the third week of February. The pack in California comes in two major periods, Spring and Fall. Both are supplemental packs for our domestic customers. The crop has been slowly expanding into the summer months. Cold temperatures in the valley in January have held back head growth in certain areas. Warmer weather is expected and this condition should improve.

Spinach
In late February harvesting will begin in the southern portion of the Central Valley, then slowly progress northward. Despite the difficulties we encountered with the weather, we are on target to start production in late February in the Southern regions. Early reports on the stand of spinach are favorable and, as the daily amount of sun and warmth improves, so will the growth and weight of each field. We expect one of our largest packs ever and we are happy to report that our pack plan is full based on our sales forecast.

Greens
Acreage is now being contracted and planting will soon begin on Collards and Turnips grown here for West Coast distribution. A substantial portion of this pack is destined for repack into retail poly and custom value-added sauce products.

Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Now that the sun is shining here, we can begin the field preparation for Green and Yellow Squash. The ground is contracted, furrows are laid and, as soon as the moisture content and soil temperature reach optimum, the seed will be drilled. Green Zucchini and Yellow Squash are both important blend ingredients contributing excellent color, flavor and nutrition.

Forward Planning and Forecasting
Plans are now in the works for our late Summer and Fall packs of Lima Beans, Tomatoes, Peppers, Brussels Sprouts, Spinach and Greens.

Outsourcing
We continue to outsource globally through time-tested and reliable channels keeping a close eye on quality throughout the supply chain, starting in the field. We were plagued with general market hiccups though the fall thus we have elevated our outreach which we expect will have a positive impact going forward.