Fruit and Vegetable Markets Show Mixed September Trends

Produce markets are in transition as fall approaches, with leafy greens and berries under pressure, while vegetables like celery, broccoli, and cauliflower are finding firmer ground.

spring produce vegetables _ adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Produce markets are seeing a wide mix of price movement this week, according to US Foods, with hardy vegetables holding firmer ground, while fruit markets are split.

Leaf lettuces, iceberg, strawberries, limes, pineapples, avocados, and honeydews are all trending lower. By contrast, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, green onions, lemons, oranges, green beans, jalapeños, Roma tomatoes, cantaloupes, and several apple varieties are moving higher on steady-to-good demand.

Potatoes remain mostly steady, though russets out of Idaho and reds out of Minnesota softened. Onions are mixed, with Washington and Oregon supplies holding firm while Idaho lots edged lower. Cabbage from New York and green beans from the Northeast are showing stronger markets.

In fruit, California citrus is climbing, especially lemons and oranges, while tropical imports like pineapples and avocados are weaker.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: Produce markets are in transition as fall approaches, with leafy greens and berries under pressure, while vegetables like celery, broccoli, and cauliflower are finding firmer ground. Fruit markets are split, with U.S. citrus gaining strength and tropical imports trending softer.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Lower turkey and wheat prices helped ease Thanksgiving costs, but underlying farm-sector pressures remain significant.
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
Hunter Biram, an extension economist with the University of Arkansas, is tracking Mississippi River water levels as grain shippers shift their focus to transportation following the wrap-up of fall harvest.
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.
Firm live cow prices and shifting dairy-side culling suggest cull cow values may stay stronger than usual this winter despite weaker cow beef cutout trends.
Shawn Haney, Host of RealAg Radio on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147, joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report with the latest news from Canada impacting the ag sector.