News and Stories

Temperatures in Santa Maria and Salinas, California, the main growing regions of leafy greens, lettuces, and strawberries, are expected to rise to the high 80s to low to mid-90s through Friday, then dip to mid- to high 70s by the weekend. Some parts of the Salinas Valley will experience triple digit temperatures. Many heat-related issues will persist and possibly become worse with this most recent heat spike. Prices for many products will remain elevated due to heat-related problems and reduced yields. Processor demand will stay strong, limiting industry supplies. 

Potential issues are as follows:

Broccoli

• Brown/yellow bead
• Dehydration
• Pin rot
• Reduced yields 

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

• Dehydration 
• Elevated insect pressure (aphids and leaf miner)
• Fringe burn
• Hollow core
• Internal burn
• Large size (iceberg lettuce)
• Long core/seeder
• Mildew pressure
• Rib blight/decay
• Shortened shelf-life
• Sun burn
• Thick ribs
• Weak tip
• Yellow/brown bead

Strawberries

• Bleeding/bruising
• Decreased size
• Over-ripe fruit
• Significantly reduced shelf-life
• Soft texture

Value-Added Salads and Tender Leaf Items (Cilantro, Spinach, and Spring Mix)

• Brittle texture (tender leaf)
• Dehydration
• Elevated insect pressure
• Higher respiration rates
• Iceberg or romaine core material in finished packs
• Internal burn
• Mechanical damage
• Paler-than-normal color due to extra trimming (iceberg-based salads)
• Premature yellowing and small leaves (cilantro)
• Shortened shelf-life

Markon inspectors are monitoring quality very closely and will report any changes. Maintaining the cold chain is critical; ordering for quick turns is recommended. Suppliers are making harvesting/processing adjustments in order to minimize issues.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

©2015 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.