News and Stories

The Arizona/California desert growing region has received a little more than 2.00” of rainfall in less than a week (roughly five times the historical average for January). Field conditions for crops such as broccoli, lettuce, and tender leaf items are extremely muddy and dangerous for harvesting crews and equipment. The attached pictures taken over the last few days illustrate these challenges.

Another chance of showers returns on Thursday, January 28 and Friday, January 29. Apart from the industrywide production and shipping delays observed so far, we expect to start seeing the adverse effects of this excess water being absorbed by these crops. Markon inspectors are monitoring commodity and value-added items for issues such as:

• Bottom rot/decay
• Elevated mechanical damage
• Premature pinking
• Shortened shelf-life

Ordering for quick turns is recommended, and as always, maintaining the cold chain throughout distribution is critical for maximizing quality and shelf-life.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
 
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