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LIVE FROM THE FIELDS: SALINAS WEATHER IMPACTS

October 15, 2025

Please click here to view a Markon Live From the Fields video about the impacts of recent volatile weather on late season row crop vegetables in California’s Salinas Valley.

  • A significant pair of storms brought nearly 1.5” of rainfall and isolated hail to parts of the Salinas Valley earlier this week
  • Harvesting and production delays have followed, and the added moisture will exacerbate current quality and shelf-life challenges such as:
    • Bottom rot/decay in lettuce crops
    • Bruising, soft texture, and pin rot/decay in strawberries
    • Dirt/mud in field-packed items
    • Inconsistent case weights
    • Increased mildew pressure in lettuce crops
    • Mold in cauliflower
    • Pin rot in broccoli
    • Premature pinking in commodity and value-added lettuce packs
    • Shortened shelf-life potential
  • Markon inspectors are working with suppliers to secure the best product for commodity and value-added items
  • Expect tight supplies and high markets to persist throughout the transition to Arizona/California desert growing region in early-to mid-November

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for further information.

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