Please click here to view a Markon Live From the Fields video about the above-normal rainfall that the Arizona/California desert growing region has experienced and the subsequent quality and shelf-life challenges that will ensue.

• Weather challenges have greatly hindered the start-up of the desert growing region
  • The Coachella, Imperial Valley, and Yuma regions have received 3-4x the average rainfall for November, mostly over the past week alone
  • Muddy fields have caused delays and some harvesting cancellations over the past few days
  • More rain is forecast for Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22, with significant harvest cancellations expected
  • Growers will pack orders ahead of the rain as much as possible to fill orders
• The quality of commodity lettuce and leaf has been improving, but many fields remain shy of meeting Markon First Crop (MFC) weight specifications
• Value-added items can be expected to exhibit rain-related quality and shelf-life challenges for the next two to three weeks
  • Harvesting and production crews will work to minimize bottom rot and other outer leaf defects that may develop
  • Lettuce and tender leaf products that have been saturated by rain may be more susceptible to bruising, mechanical damage, and early pinking and/or breakdown issues
  • Pin rot will be a concern in broccoli packs
• Markon inspectors are monitoring field conditions as well as the quality and shelf-life outlook and will update further as needed

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for further information.

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