News and Stories

Some areas of the Arizona/California desert growing region are experiencing light lettuce ice this morning that will prevent harvesting crews from starting until approximately 8:30 AM (MST). Sporadic lettuce ice is expected to continue over the weekend, and become more significant in the coming days due to an unseasonable cold front passing through the area. Moderate lettuce ice is forecast for Tuesday, November 29 and will likely develop into widespread heavy lettuce ice on Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 as overnight and early morning temperatures drop into the low 30s in the coldest areas.

Cold weather can slow plant maturity and reduce production hours, as harvesting crews have to wait for plants to thaw sufficiently before harvesting. Expect volatile prices for the next several weeks.  

Green Leaf/Romaine

• Green leaf and romaine prices remain low
• Stocks are ample as growers are harvesting in Coachella, Oxnard, and Santa Maria, California as well as Yuma, Arizona
• Freezing temperatures expected next week in the desert region; freeze-related quality issues will develop over time
• Expect prices to rise by early December if temperatures drop to freezing levels
• Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Green Leaf and Romaine are sporadically available; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as necessary due to mildew and seeder problems

Iceberg

• Supplies are readily available; prices are weak 
• Next week’s freezing temperatures will slow maturity and create harvesting/loading delays
• Head size remains small; carton weights are in the high 30s/mid-40s
• Freeze-related issues will reduce yields and overall weights
• Expect the market to rise by early December if temperatures drop to freezing levels
• MFC Premium Iceberg is limited; MBA is being substituted due to internal burn, low weights, and seeders

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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