News and Stories

High winds and light lettuce ice are expected over the weekend; widespread lettuce ice will persist into next week in most Arizona/California desert growing areas. Cold weather can slow plant maturity and reduce production hours, as harvesting crews have to wait for plants to thaw sufficiently before harvesting. Supplies continue to saturate the market, so prices should remain steady into next week. Demand will ease as the holiday season nears.  

Green Leaf/Romaine

• Green leaf and romaine prices remain low
• Stocks are ample; growers are harvesting in Coachella and Oxnard, California as well as Yuma, Arizona
• Freezing temperatures are expected in the desert region next week; freeze-related quality issues will develop over time 
• Expect prices to rise in January if low temperatures and lettuce ice persist
• Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Green Leaf and Romaine is sporadic; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as necessary due to mildew pressure in some lots (see attached photos) 

Iceberg

• Supplies are readily available; prices are weak 
• Next week’s freezing temperatures will slow maturity and create harvesting/loading delays
• Freeze-related issues will reduce yields and overall weights
• Expect the market to rise in January if temperatures drop to freezing levels
• MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is available, but MFC Trimmed Iceberg Lettuce is sporadic; MBA is being substituted due to large size 

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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