The Arizona/California desert growing region expects light to moderate showers later this evening due to a low-pressure system moving into the area. Less than .25” is anticipated for the main areas of Coachella, Imperial Valley, and Yuma, but a cold front will bring periods of moderate to heavy showers on Thursday, March 13. An additional half inch of rain is forecast with this second storm, which will cause production disruptions and loading delays moving into the weekend.

Markon is working with suppliers to pack orders ahead in anticipation of harvest cancelations. Our inspectors will be evaluating field conditions and desert row crop quality closely following the rain. Some of the potential challenges that may develop include but are not limited to:

• Bottom rot/decay
• Elevated dirt/mud in commodity and some lightly processed items
• Increased mechanical damage
• Mildew pressure in lettuces and possibly broccoli
• Premature pinking in commodity and some value-added lettuce items
• Shortened shelf-life potential

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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