News and Stories

The spring harvesting transition of lettuce and leafy greens from the Arizona/California desert growing region to the Salinas Valley is nearly complete. A small number of value-added salad suppliers remain in Yuma, Arizona along with a few commodity lettuce growers in Huron, California. Both of these seasons will end this week. Markon will be shipping all orders from the Salinas Valley starting Monday, April 19.

Desert Region:

• Some remaining supplies are exhibiting heat-related issues due to 90°-100° temperatures earlier this month
  • Dehydration, internal burn, and rib blight are not excessive, but present and difficult for harvesting/processing crews to avoid completely
  • Expect sporadic quality and shelf-life issues from desert-based value-added supplies for the next 10-14 days

Huron, California:

• Commodity iceberg and romaine supplies are available, but the season is wrapping up by the end of this week
• Supplies have exhibited excellent quality; case weights have been high
  • Last week’s warm weather increased incidences of weak tip, rib blight, and insect damage
  • Case weights remain elevated, but some of the above-mentioned defects can’t be avoided completely

Salinas Valley:

• Markon First Crop Premium Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine packs are available in Salinas
• Lettuce case weights started out very low last week; maturity is 5-10 days behind schedule
• Warmer weather is promoting growth and increasing case weights
• Quality is very good

Markon inspectors are monitoring supplies from all three growing regions and will continue to update as needed. Please see the attached pictures for more information from each region.

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
 
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