Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Produce activity returned to more typical late-summer patterns as 48-count Hass avocado prices fell 15% week-over-week following the fading impact of Mexico’s USDA inspection suspensions. Potatoes appear to have ended their pre-harvest rally at levels similar to last year, while 24-count iceberg lettuce and 25 lb. large Roma tomatoes saw modest bumps that reflect short-term bargain buying rather than a sustained trend. Outlook: Produce markets should remain relatively rangebound and stable through the fall, with major leafy green or tomato rallies unlikely before mid-September at the earliest.   Grains Grains closed the marketing year on a strong note, with wheat and corn surging 5% to 10% in a single week, while soybean oil climbed back above its 100-day moving average. Wheat’s aggressive rally is heavily tied to fading hopes for a resolution to Black Sea supply disruptions, pushing U.S. wheat export sales to nearly

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Produce markets were generally stable, with iceberg lettuce standing out. 24-count iceberg lettuce rose 11% week over week, ending a seven-week losing streak after prices had fallen nearly 82% over that stretch. Even with the recent uptick, there are no major supply concerns at the moment, and the market is still behaving within normal seasonal expectations. Outlook: Lettuce prices may stay relatively contained near term, but this market bears watching as the usual late-year rally approaches in late September.   Grains Grain markets finished the week stronger, led by row crops. Preliminary results from Pro Farmer’s crop tour came in below expectations in most areas, with six of seven states reporting corn yield estimates falling more year over year than USDA projected in its August report. The largest corn-producing states, Iowa and Illinois, posted especially notable misses, while soybeans also underperformed expectations in Illinois,

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Produce markets stayed relatively calm last week, with most of the “big five” showing little movement, but avocados are the item operators should keep an eye on. Prices for 48-count Hass avocados were essentially flat week over week, though the USDA’s suspension of avocado inspections in Michoacán, Mexico could still create an August price bump if the issue is not resolved quickly. Potatoes continue to climb and are on pace to challenge 2025 highs as soon as this week, although that pre-harvest rally has been largely expected. Meanwhile, lettuce and tomatoes remained flat and, for now, appear stable through the rest of the month. Outlook: Produce should stay relatively steady overall, but avocados and potatoes carry the most upside risk in the near term.   Grains Grain markets were mostly quiet last week, aside from corn’s sharp rally following the August WASDE and Crop

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce he big-five produce items were largely quiet. 48-count Hass avocados flatlined after three prior weeks of gains; onions capped out after a longer uptrend. 24-count iceberg lettuce and 25 lb. large roma tomatoes eased to new YTD lows, with iceberg falling below $10/carton for the first time since 2023. Outlook: Most produce markets are expected to remain stable to softer over the next several weeks, with limited upside potential.   Grains Grains markets quieted with most of the sector still under pressure but supported by technical levels. December soybean oil snapped a six-day losing streak at its 100-day moving average; soybeans leveled out amid trend support but face potential headwinds from expected heavy rainfall in the eastern Corn Belt. Outlook: Prices will likely stay volatile and dependent on crude oil trends, weather developments, and the pace of Chinese soybean purchases.   Dairy CME spot

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce 48-count Hass avocados climbed another 12.6% last week—their third consecutive week of gains—fitting typical August seasonal patterns. Meanwhile, 24-count iceberg lettuce fell 8.3% week-over-week, extending a five-week decline, though price drops are slowing and expected to hold above the $10 mark before fall transitions begin. Outlook: Avocado prices should cap around $60/carton before entering a September downtrend, while iceberg lettuce will offer temporary cost stability before typical September/October market volatility sets in.   Grains Grain markets pulled back across the board, giving up a solid portion of July’s gains. Wheat posted modest pullbacks despite ongoing Black Sea shipping disruptions. With Russia and Ukraine entering their peak August export window under active maritime shipping risks, wheat prices remain vulnerable to sudden market surges if export supply flows are restricted. Outlook: Expect heightened price volatility and upside risk for grains through late summer if Black Sea

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Produce markets remained relatively calm despite ongoing attention surrounding the cyclospora outbreak linked to lettuce from Central Mexico. To date, the outbreak has had little impact on pricing, while iceberg lettuce appears to be stabilizing, avocados posted modest gains, and onion markets continue following normal seasonal trends. Outlook: Procurement teams should expect generally stable produce pricing, with only modest seasonal fluctuations anticipated over the coming weeks.   Grains Grain markets moved higher as geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices fueled renewed buying activity. Wheat experienced the strongest gains following disruptions affecting Russian export routes and continued uncertainty surrounding Black Sea shipping. Outlook: Grain markets are expected to remain volatile, making forward purchasing strategies and ongoing market monitoring increasingly valuable.   Dairy Cheese markets continued to strengthen, with block cheese prices climbing nearly 16% over the past month, while butter, dry whey, and nonfat

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Produce brought some welcome relief last week, especially in lettuce, where iceberg prices dropped sharply after several elevated weeks. Avocado prices also continued to ease, and while both markets may be nearing a floor, current levels are a much better buying environment than earlier in the season. Outlook: Lettuce and avocado pricing should stay more favorable in the near term, with lettuce likely stabilizing soon and avocados facing only modest upside risk into August.   Grains Grain markets were mostly stronger early in the week as hot Corn Belt weather raised production concerns, but cooler forecasts later in the week took some of that urgency out of the market. Wheat ended on a strong note, while corn still appears rangebound unless weather becomes more threatening. Outlook: Grains will remain highly weather-driven, but without a meaningful crop threat, prices may struggle to push much higher

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Produce buyers got some welcome relief last week, especially in categories that had been running hot. Iceberg lettuce posted its first weekly decline in five weeks, dropping nearly 28% week over week as supplies improved modestly and elevated prices likely slowed demand. Avocados also moved sharply lower, with 48-count Hass down another 19.7% to a six-week low, while 25 lb. large roma tomatoes fell 16.8% to a new year-to-date low. Even with the pullback, some items may still have upside risk as the summer progresses. Outlook: Produce markets are offering some near-term relief, but operators should stay alert since several categories could stabilize and turn higher again later this season.   Grains Grain markets finished mostly higher last week, with corn and soybeans recovering after early pressure tied to pre-report positioning ahead of the USDA’s June Acreage and Stocks reports. The biggest surprise came

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Most produce markets are relatively calm, but iceberg lettuce is standing out. Supplies remain snug, and pricing has climbed for four straight weeks, with cartons recently averaging around $16.95, up from $14.95 the prior week. Regional transition issues continue to limit relief. Outlook: Lettuce costs could remain choppy in the short term, so this is one category worth monitoring closely for menu-heavy operators.   Grains Corn, soybean, and wheat markets were mostly quiet heading into one of the most important USDA reporting windows of the season. Corn acreage expectations are sitting near 95 million acres, while soybean acreage is projected closer to 83.7 million acres, both of which could move markets depending on final government estimates. Outlook: Grain volatility may increase quickly as traders digest updated acreage and stock data, which could eventually affect feed and ingredient costs.   Dairy Dairy markets softened again

Alerts & What’s Trending   Produce Lettuce prices continued climbing due to ongoing supply challenges, while tomato prices are showing normal seasonal increases after returning to more typical levels. Most other produce markets remained relatively stable. Outlook: Lettuce will likely stay elevated until supplies recover, while tomatoes may continue a gradual seasonal climb through mid-July.   Grains Grain markets were mixed, with corn, soybeans, and wheat showing signs of stabilizing after recent declines, while soybean oil continued to weaken. Overall, markets remain influenced by energy prices and crop expectations. Outlook: Grain markets are expected to remain volatile, but current trends suggest limited upward price pressure in the near term.   Dairy CME spot activity was active but most dairy markets trended lower for the week; nonfat dry milk hit near three-month lows as buyers delay purchases expecting cheaper prices, while butter has shown unexpected firmness despite lower international prices. U.S.