Click here to read this week’s farm report.
o The week started with intense downpours that weakened significantly as the week progressed. Cumulative total of 47 mm (1.85 inches) of rainfall.
o Air and soil temperatures were reported to be:
o The minimum average temperature declined slightly to 23.4°C (74.1°F)
o The average air temperature rose to 27.6°C (81.7°F)
o The average soil temperature also rose to 27.8°C (82°F)
o Most of the week solar radiation varied from moderate to low.
o Very low risk of causing sunburnt and corky fruit.
o The relative humidity declined to 87%.
o Large fruit (4,5 and 6 count) made up 51.9% and 5 count declined to 10.5% of our harvest.
o The week brought a slight decrease in the average harvest age of fruit. The fruit of 21 WAF declined to 33.8% of our volume and that of 20 WAF rose to 66.2%
o Crownless fruit volume declined to 7.7% of the total packed.
o The sugar content of our fruit decreased slightly this week, reaching a Brix degree of 15.5 Fruits with brix lower than 13.5 were not reported and the percentage of fruits with brix higher than 15.5 increased greatly compared to the previous week. Brix reading variability data was higher than it used to be in previous weeks.
o The volume of fruit with psi less than 2.7 was 0% of the sample. The minimum was 3.2 psi; the average reached 3.4 psi and the maximum was 4.1 psi.
o All fruit quality characteristics were reported according to our standards.
o Expect supply to be limited for the remainder of the year. Most national retailers will be on promotional volume for the holidays.
o No vessel delays this week.
o Due to more severe climate fluctuations than normal, a phenomenon caused by El Nino, the farms are seeing higher temperature fluctuations than normal. Some days as much as 10 degrees Celsius variation. Fruit harvested during these conditions are showing higher external color and internal translucency, like that of the NDF period. However, we continue to see week-over-week quality improvements.
On behalf of the entire Chestnut Hill Farms family, may your Thanksgiving be full of peace, love, and joy.