Markon is actively monitoring Hurricane Hillary, which is expected to make landfall Sunday, August 20 on the Baja Peninsula and weaken to a post tropical depression as it moves from Northern Mexico into parts of Southwestern Arizona and Southern/Central California. Many key growing regions will experience heavy rains, high winds, and potential flash floods from Saturday into Tuesday, August 22. The following areas have the potential to experience disruptions to farming and shipping operations.

Mexico, Baja California:

• Approximately 2”-3” of rain are expected with more possible if thunderstorms develop
• The rain and high winds could have significant impact on green onions and asparagus supplies in particular
• Moderate-to-major harvesting and production disruptions are expected following the storm

Arizona/California Desert Region:

• Heaviest rainfall totals of 3”-5” are expected in the Coachella Valley
• The Yuma, Arizona region may record 2” or more with a risk of flash flooding in isolated areas
• Winds of 25 mph to up to 40+mph are forecast
• Currently, growers are not overly concerned with the rainfall
  • It’s early enough in the ground prep and planting stages for the upcoming desert season to recover from any impacts caused by the storm
  • Only a small percentage, including broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, have been transplanted thus far
  • Lettuce and leaf items are still 2-3 weeks from being planted
• If another significant storm were to pass through the area in early or mid-September, it would be much more concerning

Oxnard, California:

• The Oxnard region could receive 1” or more
• Items currently being grown/harvested that are most likely to be impacted include:
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley
  • Kale/Flowering Kale
  • Bell Peppers
• Harvesting delays and shortened shelf-life can be expected in the days following the rain/wind
• The front end of the fall lettuce and leaf crops have been planted but could be impacted by bottom rot/mildew following the rain event
• Planting disruptions for late fall lettuce and leaf may occur but if fields dry out quickly, growers can stay on schedule

Santa Maria, California:

• Santa Maria is expecting ½” – ¾” of rain
• The combination of rain and warm/humid conditions will cause harvesting disruptions and quality/shelf-life concerns for:
  • Broccoli
  • Lettuce/Leaf
  • Strawberries
  • Squash
• Early fall crop berries will likely develop pin rot/decay issues following the storm
  • Harvesting crews will cull damaged fruit after the rain
  • Expect supply levels to be impacted

Salinas/Watsonville:

• Sporadic showers could bring ¼” – ½” to the area
• All Salinas Valley row crops will be subject to light-to-moderate harvesting delays
• Broccoli supplies could develop pin rot
• Commodity and value-added lettuce and leaf items may experience rain-related quality and shelf-life issues

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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