PRO*ACT Crop Update: Disease pressure in the valley

Light rain in the Salinas Valley early this week will only exacerbate the disease pressure in the valley as harvest quickly wraps up over the next week or so. More rain is likely later this week as storm systems pass to the north. The cooler temperatures will help curb insect activity and improve overall texture in the remaining stands. Production from the Huron region is basically complete, leaving the southwestern desert regions for supplies.  

Yuma harvests will continue to gain momentum this week with full production expected to come from the region around late November. After a very warm fall weather pattern, recent cooler temperatures and strong winds have reduced growth rates across the desert regions. In the colder desert valleys, light lettuce ice is being reported with more likely into next week.

Lettuce and leafy green supplies continue with lighter carton weights due to lighter densities (puffy heads, light hearts) and seeders in these early fields. The tender spring mix and baby leaf items will continue with light production as cold temperatures in Salinas and the desert regions impact growth rates and quality. 

With cooler temperatures expected into next week we are looking at a possible extended period of light production from these desert regions. Overall supplies look to remain light with lesser texture and shelf life as we move through November.

With over 30 years in the produce industry, Tim Lynch started as an inspector and advanced into quality control and food safety. Beyond work, he's an avid sports fan, relishing in activities like boating, fishing, and diving. Originally from Hollywood, California, Tim attended Cal Poly SLO before making Marina his home since 1994.