Following last week’s heat spike, California’s Salinas Valley will be cooling off significantly over the next few days. The coldest areas in Southern Salinas Valley are expecting lows in the mid-30°s which could cause lettuce ice Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29. Highs will range from the low 60°s to mid-70°s and will remain slightly below-average through next week.

The fall harvesting transition from the Salians Valley to Huron and Oxnard, California is underway with both growing regions in full production now.

Salinas:

• Limited iceberg and leaf lettuce will be available for another two to three weeks
• Remaining iceberg supplies are exhibiting a wide range of weight fluctuation, but quality is good
• This weekend’s potential lettuce ice is not expected to significantly impact supplies
  • Minor harvesting delays may occur
  • Baby leaf items such as arugula and cilantro may develop frost damage and/or purple color
• A chance for rain and gusty winds is forecast for Thursday, November 2

Huron:

• Quality and case weights fluctuate across the region
• Markon First Crop (MFC) Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine are limited; Markon Best Available is being substituted as needed
• Heat-related quality challenges include:
  • Growth cracks, long core/seeder, internal burn, and weak tip in iceberg lettuce
  • Long core/seeder, ribby/twisted heads, and elevated mechanical damage in some romaine and green leaf lettuce lots
  • Minor insect presence (gnats) and insect damage in iceberg and leaf lettuce items
• A chance for scattered showers and gusty winds is forecast for Thursday, November 2
• Iceberg and leaf lettuce will be available for two to three more weeks

Oxnard:

• A limited number of iceberg and romaine lettuce growers have begun shipping
• Some Markon orders will be sourced from Oxnard starting Monday, October 30
• Quality is very good, but a chance for rain and gusty winds is forecast for Thursday, November 2

Arizona/California Desert Region:

• Harvesting will begin ramping up the week of November 6
• Most iceberg and leaf lettuce fields are expected to start slightly under MFC weight specifications, but quality will be very good
• Case weights will increase as the season progresses
• Supplies will be ample.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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