News and Stories

Cold temperatures will once again push back harvesting schedules of lettuce and other row crop items this morning in the Arizona/California desert growing region. Most start times will range from 9:30-11:00 AM (MST) as harvesting crews must wait for lettuce ice to thaw completely before handling.

The attached pictures illustrate the lettuce ice that has developed on lettuce and tender leaf items over the last four days, and is already causing freeze-related issues such as:

• Dehydration
• Dull appearance
• Epidermal blister
• Yellowing leaves

The majority of desert region produce items remain at an extremely low volume. Apart from the above-mentioned defects, this current cold snap also threatens to slow plant growth and cause a larger supply gap situation in the coming weeks. Markon inspectors will be working with growers to source the best available product throughout the next several weeks of industrywide supply and quality challenges.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

John Galvez

Quality Assurance

markon.com

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