SALINAS, CA - Syngenta Vegetable Seeds' commitment to United States leafy and brassica growers will be on display at the upcoming Salinas Field Day, taking place August 12–13. I had the chance to chat with Justin Goodwyn, Product Specialist - LBO West, to hear what’s in store.

“At the event, we will be showcasing our strong product portfolios—especially Romaine lettuce, Iceberg lettuce, cauliflower, and spinach,” he began telling me. “Attendees will get to see our strong commitment to leafy and brassica crops and interact with our local experts across several functions. Overall, there will be 96 total leafy and brassica products showcased.”

With 20 different product type portfolios to be showcased, the diversity of Syngenta's leafy and brassica programs will demonstrate the company's commitment to meet the needs of the local markets. Attendees will be introduced to a range of cutting-edge solutions, highlighting Syngenta's continued investment in research and development to address evolving industry challenges such as INSV. They'll also have the chance to interact directly with our expert breeders.

“Our most innovative new products, which bring new and unique opportunities to growers, will be on display. There will also be a showcase from Syngenta Biologicals and the solutions they're bringing to growers,” Justin continued. “Attendees will experience how Syngenta's brand and innovative technology are shaping the future of vegetable production.”

At the Salinas Field Day, attendees can both see these products in the field, as well as connect with Syngenta’s commercial team to begin the conversation or touch base about getting these products in their own fields and programs.

Growers can register to attend the event here.

Those in attendance can expect great food and industry interactions aplenty. Experience the strong, exciting, and diverse current and future leafy and brassica products from Syngenta.

UNITED STATES - Overall demand for broccoli remains steady, and the prices in the market reflect that.

As The Source reported, supplies remain strong in the Salinas Valley, Santa Maria, and Central Mexico. Buyers should expect consistent quality and steady pricing that will continue into next week.

The USDA’s market report from June 11, 2025, from California’s Los Angeles Terminal reinforces that current broccoli markets are steady, and that prices range from 15-50—18.50 with fair appearance.

Reports from the Philadelphia Terminal Market note a slight elevation in price, with a 20 lb loose carton from California running closer to 22.00—25.00.

Stick with ANUK as we continue to cover the various categories across fresh produce.

ELGIN, MN - Cherries are fresh in their boxes and ready to meet a hungry market. As demand continued to exceed supply, I had a chance to catch up with Chuck Sinks, President of Sales and Marketing for Honeybear Brands, to discuss the company’s recent supply expansion in the category and more in the works for the months to come.

“Honeybear is excited because we’ll have double last year’s volume with close to a million boxes; we are thrilled to welcome new growers bringing cherries to be packed and shipped by Honeybear. We have been able to bring on a lot of new customers,” Chuck shared.

With enthusiasm for both new and existing retail partners, Chuck explained that the company is utilizing one of its existing packing sheds in Pateros, Washington, and added a second in Wenatchee, Washington. With the addition of Custom Packing, the company is now able to pack more cherries in its own facilities. 

“We offer a state-of-the-art line to help pack Honeybear cherries across several varieties, and new and existing retail partners will both have an opportunity to see the great quality and diversified packs these facilities enable us to offer,” Chuck said. “We are seeing really good results from our strong Honeybear history and expanded capabilities. It is an exciting time and direction for the company, and we cannot wait to welcome even more retail partners to our business. A key part of our growth, of course, is the gratitude we have for customers who continue to entrust us with their business and recognize the potential of this moment and the direction we are headed.”

Chuck explained that both seasoned and fresh customers will see great opportunities from Honeybear’s latest supply partnerships, particularly on the apple side of the business, which has since blossomed into expanded cherry opportunities as well.

“The expansion of Honeybear cherries has given us additional retail opportunities, and that is exciting for all involved. Our current and new customers are enjoying our extensive import program. Honeycrisp apples and pears are bridging the gap from the shortage of Washington Honeycrisp this summer. We’ve seen outstanding sales and new customer partnerships as a result of our import program,” Chuck said.

Honeybear is looking forward to new crop apples this fall, with projected expectations forecasting upward of triple the volume from last season.

“The addition of Valicoff Orchards and Custom Pack capabilities, coupled with our strong efficiencies at Honeybear Growers, means customers will see a lot more varieties, packages, and volumes from Honeybear’s new crop offerings come mid to late August,” Chuck concluded.

With players like Honeybear making key moves across fresh categories, AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up to date on all the latest.

SACRAMENTO, CA - Will you be celebrating the fathers in your life this weekend on the golf course? At the restaurant? On the patio? Be sure to take a snapshot and help the memory last by extending their recognition through AndNowUKnow’s annual Father’s Day Yearbook!

We are excited to celebrate the dads, papas, fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and mentors that come to mind for you following this Father’s Day Sunday, June 15, especially in an industry built of fathers and farmers.

How often do you enjoy the moment and realize later you wished you’d grabbed a group photo? This is your reason to gather everyone together while extending the celebration beyond Sunday Funday. 

So, be sure to take a photo of the festivities, send it to us at ANUK by emailing [email protected] with a brief description of the photo and the names of everyone featured by Tuesday, June 17, and be sure to keep an eye out for the Father’s Day Yearbook headline in AndNowUKnow in the following days.

We wish everyone a fun weekend and a happy Father’s Day! 

UNITED STATES - A stretch of unsettled weather is shaping up for the central U.S., with daily thunderstorms expected from the Rockies to the Mississippi Valley through Sunday. While not every area will see severe impacts, you may want to plan around spotty downpours, gusty winds, and occasional hail.

From Texas up through the Dakotas, localized storms will continue into the weekend, with the strongest activity likely Friday and Saturday. A few storms may include brief hail or isolated wind gusts, but for many, it’s more about the timing and repeat nature of the rain. These passing systems could cause minor slowdowns along shipping routes, especially in areas hit by more than one storm.

“Even pea- to marble-sized hail can be quite damaging to crops and vegetation, especially when it's wind-driven or so much falls that it covers the ground,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham.

By Father’s Day, showers could shift eastward into parts of the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, the Appalachians, and along the mid-Atlantic, while another round takes shape on the northern and central Plains.

It’s a classic early summer pattern—warmth, moisture, and pop-up storms. Keep your radar handy, stay flexible, and check in with ANUK for updates as the forecast evolves.