PRO*ACT Crop Update: Warmer temperatures improve growth rates

Warmer temperatures following the Thanksgiving Holiday in the Southwestern desert growing regions have helped overall growth rates and quality in many of the current crops. Coupled with light post-holiday demand, leafy green fields have been able to increase in size and internal structure. Iceberg and Romaine heads are showing better densities and less high core/seeder along with generally good quality and improved yields. Supplies are improving but not yet abundant across the board as we move through December.

A change in the weather is forecast from mid-week into the weekend as a very cold air mass moves into the region. Morning temperatures in the low to mid-30s will bring near-freezing temperatures with widespread lettuce ice impacting many upcoming crops.

The Southwestern Desert regions have seen some cold mornings and lettuce ice before the holiday with some epidermal peel and blister showing up in some of the leafy green supplies. This round of cold temperatures is expected to be much colder and more widespread than previous cold temperatures.

While blister and epidermal peel will certainly impact quality in many leafy green stands, the overall extended cold temperatures will also slow growth rates of all crops in the region. Along with blister and epidermal peel you can expect to see lighter color and carton weights and smaller head size as growers trim out damaged outer leaves. The tender spinach and spring mix items will also take a hit with the expected cold temperatures impacting yields, texture and shelf life of these products. 

Another factor with the cold morning temperatures is the delayed harvest start times as crews must wait until crops warm up before harvesting can begin. With limited daylight hours during the winter, crews will have less time to conduct harvesting activities. This will in turn limit the overall product coming into the coolers and available for loading. Overall lesser weights, yields, quality, condition, textures and shelf life are anticipated in these upcoming harvests.

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.