In Florida and Georgia, spring vegetable crops of peppers, corn, beans, cucumbers, cabbages, and greens are all well underway.
© Nardelli Brothers
For Nardelli Brothers, its Florida vegetable production will continue to run through May with some duplication of products from its upcoming season in New Jersey. "Though corn production will be huge then in Florida and Georgia for spring. The corn market has been okay, but we've encountered some weather issues in the south with some gaps on corn harvest," says Bill Nardelli Sr. of Nardelli Brothers.
As for New Jersey's season, growing conditions in the state have seen some spotty rain showers but nothing severe. "We seem to be on time with our planting schedule. We had some warm weather early on, with several days in the 70s, and that advanced some items. However, we've also had some cooler weather that's slowed down the production. All in all, it'll be relatively close to a normal start by mid-April," Nardelli says.
Strong asparagus market
With Easter around the corner, he says there's good demand for spring asparagus, and the market looks favorable. "We're on the cusp of starting asparagus and other spring commodities in New Jersey such as radishes, spinach, cilantro and parsley, cooking greens," he says. "The asparagus market seems to be stronger this spring than it has been–there seems to be less imported asparagus making for higher markets."
© Nardelli Brothers
With warming temperatures, Nardelli hopes demand for product will warm up as well. "It was a cold winter in a lot of areas, and people stayed a little closer to home. Now, with the weather starting to change and spring comes, people eat out more and cook more and think more about spring commodities, so we're expecting that business will pick up," he says.
For more information:
Bill Nardelli Sr.
Nardelli Brothers
Tel.: +1 (856) 447-4000
https://nardellibrosinc.com