Markon is monitoring all key growing regions that have been impacted by Tropical Storm Hilary on Sunday, August 20.

Mexico, Baja California

• Some areas of Northern Baja, California received over 3” of rainfall and experienced isolated flash flooding
• Significant disruptions can be expected for green onion and asparagus production; some tomato, cucumber, and squash supplies have been impacted as well
• Value-added romaine & green leaf, grown and processed in Northern Mexico, will also experience harvesting and processing challenges this week
• The combination of high winds and rain will likely lead to quality and shelf-life issues for the next one to two weeks

Arizona/California Desert Region

• The Coachella Valley and surrounding areas had the most rainfall recorded (3.07” to 3.91”)
  • Several roads and a section of I-10 were closed due to flooding and thousands are currently without power
  • Bell pepper crops likely sustained damage from the high winds
  • A portion of winter cauliflower, celery, and artichoke acres have been planted and are being assessed for damage; crops are expected to be okay despite weather challenges
  • Winter lettuce and leaf crops are still a few weeks from being planted; no disruption is expected at this time
• The Yuma, Arizona area received only ¼” or less rainfall, but winds were very strong with gusts up to 45-50 mph
  • Fall melon crops may take a week to assess and see how they weathered the rain and high winds
  • The small amount of transplanted broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower acres are expected to recover from any damage
  • Lettuce and leaf crops are still a few weeks from being planted; no disruption is expected at this time

Oxnard, California

• Anywhere from 1” to 3” of rain and some localized flooding was reported
• Conditions were breezy but not as windy as expected
• Harvesting and processing delays, along with quality/shelf-life challenges, can be expected over the next several days for the following items:
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley
  • Kale/Flowering kale
  • Bell peppers

• The recently planted late summer/fall strawberry crops are not expected to be impacted
• The front end of the fall lettuce and leaf crops have been planted; excess moisture from the rain may result in bottom rot/mildew
• Limited planting disruptions for late fall lettuce and leaf may occur

San Joaquin Valley

• Rainfall totals ranged from only .17” near Fresno to 1.08” in Bakersfield
• Citrus, stone fruit, and table grape supplies are being assessed; no production delays are expected but excess moisture could impact quality
• Bell pepper and melon harvests were cancelled today but are expected to return by tomorrow

Salinas/Santa Maria

• Minimal rainfall was recorded in these areas; winds were mostly calm
• High humidity from the tropical storm could negatively impact lettuce and strawberry crops in the coming days

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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