Markon First Crop (MFC) Iceberg and Romaine Hearts packs are limited; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed. MFC Green Leaf and Romaine are currently available but may become limited over the coming weeks.

Growers in California’s Salinas and Santa Maria Valleys continue to navigate end-of-season challenges affecting row crop vegetables. Lettuce items in particular are experiencing elevated levels of Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV), Sclerotinia, and other disease pressure that is heavily impacting yields. Some fields are losing up to 30% or more by the time they reach optimum maturity. For this reason, many growers are forced to harvest up to two weeks ahead of schedule to reduce the risk of heavy losses. As a result, case weights are falling well below normal levels for commodity lettuce packs such as iceberg and romaine hearts.

Current 24-count palletized lettuce case weights range from 35-42 lbs., with very few lots meeting the minimum weight spec of 46 lbs. for MFC.

As both commodity and value-added suppliers continue to reach into younger fields to minimize losses, the stage is being set for an early end to the Salinas season and an early start in the Arizona/California desert region. Markon inspectors will closely monitor the supply and quality outlook and will provide further updates as needed.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

©2026 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.