PRO*ACT Crop Update: Heat and hurricanes
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Heat and hurricanes
As the coastal California growing season winds down the roller coaster in temperatures looks to continue. Previous extended heat across California has taken a toll on these late-season supplies. Disease and insect pressure are on the rise in the fields with heat-related problems such as seeders and weaker texture.
Yields are down 20-30 percent in the leafy green fields with the diamondback moth larvae a continuing problem in cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower stands. The tender spinach and spring mix items continue to show some leaf discoloration and some insect damage along with lesser texture. This will likely bring an early end to the Salinas season forcing growers to begin desert production on the early side.
Yuma will begin light harvests next week with full production expected to come from the region around mid-November. Growers are reporting no major setbacks despite the heat in the region. Lettuce and leafy green supplies traditionally begin with lighter carton weights due to lighter densities (puffy heads, light hearts) in these early fields.
In the Southeast, hurricanes Helene and Milton have done extensive damage to crops across the region with Florida taking the brunt of the damage. Milton devastated the Florida tomato-growing regions with growers salvaging what they can as yields are around 20-30 percent of normal with questionable quality. Some growers are enacting the “Act of God” clause due to the damage throughout the region.
Overall crop assessments continue as time progresses crop damage is becoming more apparent. The California summer tomato production is winding down over the couple of weeks with light supplies coming from Mexico. Tomato supplies look to remain tight until Central Mexico begins steady volume in early January.
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.
