Recent freezing temperatures across Florida will have a major impact on current crop production. Despite temperatures warming back to seasonal norms beginning today, Wednesday, February 4, many crops will be slow to recover.

North Florida

The forecast for Thursday and Friday is expected to be mild with temperatures in the high 50’s but warmer temperatures will start this weekend with highs in the 60’s then climbing into the mid 70’s next week.

Broccoli

• Cold temperatures have slowed maturity; fields are roughly 2-3 weeks behind
• Currently, no long-term effects are expected

Cabbage

• Freeze damage was experienced in some lots, but is expected to recover with no major crop loss
  • Young plantings that froze will impact spring harvest and may decrease overall supply in late April

Central/South Florida

Mild temperatures are expected to end this week with highs in the 70’s on Sunday and then continuing to increase into the 80’s by the end of next week.

Bell Peppers

• Growers are still assessing the total damage, but are expecting nearly 50% crop loss
• Early plantings for spring harvest received frost but are expected to pull through
  • This may cause the crop to produce more off grade pepper that will be harvested in April

Celery

• No freeze damage but overall maturity has slowed drastically; supplies will be very limited this week and next
• No long-term effects anticipated as of now

Lettuce

• Lettuce fields fared better than anticipated following the cold snap
• Lighter weights are anticipated in the near-term; long-term effects will be minimal

Strawberries

• Supplies remain limited due to frozen plants, delayed harvesting, and reduced yields; long-term effects will be minimal
• Markon brand strawberries remain available from Florida

Squash

• Growers have experienced significant loss on squash with a possibility of over 50% crop loss
• Some squash plants will rebound but expect a higher percentage of off grade fruit

Tomatoes

• Temperatures fell below freezing in the primary growing region for several hours on Sunday and Monday morning causing significant damage in fields that were not covered with frost protection cloth
• In addition, heavy winds caused plants to lay down in some lots, creating stress that will impact yields in weeks to come
• Growers are still assessing the situation and will have a better idea of damages by early next week

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information

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