News and Stories

UPDATE: Desert Growing Region Markets

December 15, 2017

Freezing night temperatures and colder days are expected early next week in the desert region; temperatures will drop into the 30s at night and only reach upper 60s during the day. Light lettuce ice will develop and delay harvesting. High yields and weak demand have pushed harvesting ahead of schedule throughout the desert growing season, creating potential shortages moving forward. Prices for commodity items are expected to rise over the next 10 days.

  • Cold weather and lettuce ice will slow plant maturity and reduce production hours, as harvesting must be delayed to allow plants to thaw
  • Broccoli, cauliflower, green leaf, iceberg, romaine, and tender leaf items will be affected by the low temperatures
  • Recent warm weather has promoted growth and pushed maturity ahead of schedule; now lower temperatures will cause prices to escalate
  • Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Iceberg is sporadic; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed due to low weights
  • MFC Premium Green Leaf and Romaine are readily available
  • MFC Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; MBA is being substituted as necessary

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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