CENTRAL CA - When a wide-reaching menu makes choices a challenge, there are few sadder lines to deliver and receive than being out of an item a guest has selected. In my case, very recently, a side of promisingly prepped carrots.

Luckily for that restaurant's latest patrons, reports of the category are on the rise with harvest having returned to Bakersfield, California, following the winding down of the Imperial Valley. While the latter is still seeing excellent quality, its volumes are waning as Kern County’s own supply picks up to steady offerings. Good quality is reported here, according to The Source, with pricing trending slightly higher and sizing remaining strong.

“We just recently transitioned back into to the Central Valley/Bakersfield region and the carrot crop looks great!” Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales for Grimmway Farms, confirmed. “We have optimal growing conditions at this time with warmer days and cooler nights. Supplies are plentiful and the market is steady.”

For future menu recommendations, upon hearing my experience Lisa said Grimmway is introducing Carrot Crinkled fries, available in a 5 lb foodservice pack as well in retail in a 13 oz Air Fryer kit.

The USDA concurred that the overall market stands steady. For more granular details, the following is reported for Kern County out of the L.A. Terminal Market:

• Cartons 30 1-lb film bags baby peeled carrots, medium-large 28.00-28.50
• Sacks 10 5-lb film bags, medium-large 28.00-28.50
• Sacks 24 2-lb film bags, medium-large 28.00-28.50
• Sacks 48 1-lb film bags, medium-large 28.00-28.50
• 25 lb sacks (loose), medium 15.00-15.50; jumbo 18.00-18.50
• 50 lb sacks (loose), jumbo 32.00-32.50

Weather Mission shows the North-Central Coast of California highs strengthening over the weekend, with near to slightly above normal temps before a break in heat. A slow-moving low-pressure system passing to the north around next weekend will deepen the marine layer to “June Gloom” levels and cool temps down closer to normal by the week of 6/16, hopefully spelling little potential for harvest disruption.

AndNowUKnow will continue to monitor this and other key categories throughout the industry.

FRIESLAND, WI - Alsum Farms & Produce is proud to announce the recipients of the Wisconsin potato grower, packer, shippers’ inaugural high school senior scholarship program. Ten $1,000 scholarships have been awarded to deserving students preparing to make a positive impact in the agricultural industry.

The recipients were selected based on academic achievement; agricultural, community, youth organization involvement and reside in Alsum Farms & Produce growing or packing region. Each scholarship recipient received a $1,000 award for educational tuition expenses.

Students earning an Alsum Farms & Produce Scholarship are:

Ally Saloun (Portage, Wis.), Ashton Brusveen (Cambria, Wis.), Isaac Ziebarth (Arena, Wis.), Kaylee Jahnke (Friesland, Wis.), Kylie Rimmert (Cambria, Wis.), Madyson Bitsky (Grand Marsh, Wis.), Max Luedtke (Beaver Dam, Wis.), Nicholas Medema (Randolph, Wis.), Ryan Clark (Mayville, Wis.) and Tabitha Buwalda (Waupun, Wis.).

“In our inaugural year of the Alsum Farms & Produce scholarship program, we are proud to be able to invest in future leaders in agriculture and our rural communities.,” said Larry Alsum, Alsum Farms & Produce President & CEO, in a recent press relase. “We believe in supporting these young adults and are optimistic these students will seek careers in agriculture and the businesses that support agriculture.”

To learn how Alsum Farms & Produce farm-fresh and sustainably grown potatoes make their way from field to fork using the Wisconsin Healthy Grown® program, visit www.alsum.com.

ORLANDO, FL - This summer, the National Mango Board (NMB) is teaming up with fan-favorite Squishmallows to celebrate peak mango season in the sweetest way. Launching nationwide, the partnership will promote the joy and nutritional benefits of fresh mangos through a playful, multi-channel campaign that includes a giveaway, in-store activations, and digital content, bringing together the joy of mangos with the collectible fun of Squishmallows to engage fans and drive excitement all season long.

"Mangos bring a wonderful taste experience, and partnering with Squishmallows, a brand known for its fun and appeal, is a perfect match to amplify the enjoyment of summer and peak mango season," said Ramón Ojeda, executive director at the National Mango Board, in a recent press release. "This partnership is a celebration of happiness through the delicious experience of eating fresh mangos and the uplifting energy that Squishmallows bring to so many."

Running June 16 through July 31, the campaign serves as a celebration of fresh mangos and their place in summer routines—from snacks and smoothies to family shopping trips and seasonal traditions. Timed to coincide with National Mango Day on July 22, the campaign will feature a nationwide giveaway, providing fans the chance to win limited-edition Squishmallows mango plush toys.

"Squishmallows inspire so much joy, and this collaboration with the National Mango Board is a tasty way to celebrate summer fun," said Sara Rosales Montalvo, SVP of Communications at Jazwares. "With more than 3,000 Squishmallows, you never know what unexpected place you will find your favorite. This promotion pairs the vibrant world of Squishmallows with fresh mangos to create a unique and playful experience for fans of both brands."

Designed to create excitement around fresh mangos at retail during peak mango season, the activation will highlight the fruit's versatility and nutritional goodness, while connecting with consumers through the popularity and playful appeal of Squishmallows. Mango fans can enter the giveaway by visiting Mango.org/Summer before 11:59 p.m. EST on July 31. Winners will be notified via email.

To learn more about the National Mango Board and stay up to date on all mango-related news, visit Mango.org.

MACON, GA - BrightFarms, a national leader in indoor farming, celebrated the opening of its newest greenhouse in Macon, Georgia. The facility is the most advanced in the state. BrightFarms and its parent company Cox Farms, a Cox Enterprises company, invited Macon leaders and other distinguished guests from across the state to explore the future of greenhouse technology. The grand opening event featured interactive tours of the new Cox Farms Discovery Center, an expert-led panel discussion on the future of food, and an inside look at how BrightFarms is redefining freshness, innovation, and accessibility.

“Georgia has been home to Cox since 1939, and we’re proud to deepen our roots in the state through this significant investment,” said Steve Bradley, president of Cox Farms, in a recent press release. “This greenhouse is creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities, and supporting sustainable agriculture. We are committed to generating long-term value for our communities, employees, and partners by increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce and fostering workforce development.”

The Macon facility, powered by advanced, state-of-the-art greenhouse technology, and now fully operational with eight acres underglass, began shipping produce to retailers in late 2024. It represents a significant investment in Georgia’s agricultural industry and workforce. The greenhouse has the capacity to serve the entire Southeast, having already created more than 125 new jobs and supporting workforce development throughout Macon and surrounding communities. Following the successful openings of the greenhouse hubs in Texas and Illinois, the BrightFarms Macon facility marks the company’s third major greenhouse since the summer of 2024.

“We’re excited to mark the opening and impact of our first greenhouse in Georgia with an immersive and educational experience,” said Kelvin Hill, general manager of BrightFarms’s Macon, Georgia greenhouse. “This celebration is more than a ribbon-cutting – it’s a chance to showcase how we’re prioritizing sustainability, investing in local talent, and expanding access to fresh, locally grown produce across the Southeast.”

At present, the Macon site is designed to produce approximately 22,000 pounds of lettuce per day, helping reduce food miles and improve food security in the region. It currently houses eight acres of growing space, with an additional 24 acres to be developed on the property as demand builds. This will add to the more than 700 acres of indoor farming in operation by Cox Farms, the largest greenhouse operator in the U.S. and Canada.

For more information, visit www.brightfarms.com and www.coxfarms.com.