California’s main growing regions for row crop items such as broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, and tender leaf are winding down. The Arizona/California desert growing region will take over as the main Winter production area in the Western US for these and other items starting in early-to mid-November.

Markon has been and will continue actively monitoring both regions to stay posted on supply and quality outlook as we move into the heart of the transition period.

Salinas Valley:

• Supplies are tight and expected to remain so through the end of the season
  • Erratic weather and disease pressure are impacting yields
  • Quality and shelf-life are on the decline
    • Pest pressure has been elevated for weeks, particularly in broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuces
    • Harvest crews are trimming heavily, reducing commodity case weights
    • Value-added processors are mowing through fields at an accelerated rate and reaching into fields earlier than scheduled to cover demand
• Expect Salinas to potentially come to an early end, causing shippers to make the move to the desert earlier than anticipated

Desert Region:

• Monsoonal rains in September and October caused light disruptions to planting/cultivation activities
  • No reports of any significant crop loss
  • Most shippers were able to adjust planting schedules as needed
  • Compared to previous years, the rains have been less impactful so far, but many fields are currently showing some uneven stands
• The current forecast calls for temperatures to be at or slightly below seasonal averages through October
• Overall quality and shelf-life potential will be better than products coming from Salinas and Santa Maria, but normal early-season challenges can be expected, such as:

• Inconsistent size/weights
• Long core/seeder in lettuce and leaf items
• Although overall conditions are more favorable in the desert compared to last year, an early end to Salinas will extend the tight supply situation well into November and possibly into December

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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