Last week the Salinas Valley lettuce industry ran into a drop in iceberg lettuce case weights due to a couple factors, abnormally cool temperatures reducing plant maturity, and delayed plantings back in mid-March to early April when the last of the heavy rain events created soil conditions too wet for growers to plant and cultivate their fields.

Some 24ct liner lettuce cases have been weighing as low as 33-35 lb., but the average case weights have been ranging from 38-43 lb. Markon Best Available (MBA) has been substituted for Markon First Crop (MFC) when fields that are not meeting MFC weight specifications. Apart from the light weights, which are expected to continue through this week, iceberg lettuce quality is very good.

Markon inspectors are working with suppliers to secure the best quality and yields available and will update further as needed.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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