The Arizona/California desert growing regions have experienced three rain events since planting for the fall/winter crops. The most recent storm occurred from October 10-12, bringing strong winds and moderate rainfall to several areas.

• Coachella/Westmoreland, California
  • Received 1.5” – 2” with isolated reports of flash flooding
  • Some first plantings reported 10-20% loss in Coachella and up to 40% loss in Westmoreland
  • Recovery efforts have begun
  • Some growers plan to use transplants to supplement impacted lots
• Somerton & Yuma/Winterhaven, Arizona
  • Received between .6” – 1”
  • No immediate rain impact reported from this latest storm
• Dome Valley and Tacna, Arizona (located east of the Yuma)
  • Received about .25” at the most
  • Some wind damage, but no immediate rain impact reported from this latest storm

Outlook:

• Recent and upcoming rain/wind events are expected to impact the front end of the desert growing season
  • The industry can expect to see some uneven stands and growth for the first three weeks of the Yuma season (mid-November through early December)
  • We are not likely to see consistent stands/yields until late November
• Strong winds of 40+ mph are forecast for the end of this week that could delay planting schedules and impact recently planted crops
• The early end to the Salinas and Santa Maria growing seasons will force suppliers to start the desert deal sooner than expected, which will further tighten supplies and impact yields and case/bin weights for commodity and value-added row crop items

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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