Low temperatures have affected squash production in some parts of Mexico, and shipments to the United States have suffered as a result. Supplies are about half what they normally are for this time of year, so prices have been high on all varieties.
“Demand exceeds supply for squash because of frost damage and a bloom drop due to cold weather from two or three weeks ago,” said Bill Spence of Daily Fresh Distributing in Arizona. “For this time of year, it's typical to see between 130 and 150 loads of squash coming in every day. But we're only getting between 50 and 80 loads per day right now.” Zucchini, Yellow Straightneck and Mexican grey varieties are all short, and prices have been high. Spence said he's seen prices for a carton of zucchini from Mexico between $26.95 and $28.95 at crossings through Nogales, Arizona. Prices for a carton of Yellow Straightneck from Mexico have been between $36.95 and $38.95, and prices for a carton of grey squash have been between $16.95 and $20.95.
“What's normal for this time of year is for a carton of zucchini to go for about $9.00 or $11.00 and for a carton of Yellow Straightneck to sell for $10.00 or $12.00,” said Spence. “It's difficult to say how long we can sustain this type of market.”
