PRO*ACT Crop Update: Late-season pressure in Salinas Valley
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Late-season pressure in Salinas Valley
As we move through the back half of August, the fall transition is beginning to take shape in the Salinas Valley. While volume has remained relatively steady, several factors are starting to chip away at yields and quality.
Lately, lighter weights have become more common, especially in Romaine and Iceberg boxes. Some shippers are diverting products into secondary labels due to appearance and sizing issues. Premium labels are still available, but substitutions are becoming more common across the industry.
Insect and disease pressure continues to build. Fusarium and sclerotinia are showing up in more fields, particularly in third-rotation ground. Meanwhile, the potential for Indian Summer warmth could push insect activity even higher. Thrips pressure is on the rise, and so is diamondback moth activity across cole crops in both Salinas and Santa Maria. These pests are especially difficult to manage at this time of year, and growers are limited in their treatment options due to residue restrictions and pesticide resistance.
When diamondback larvae hatch, they feed on leaves and stems, then pupate in hard-to-reach places like under broccoli crowns or between cauliflower florets. This makes them tough for both harvest crews and processors to spot and difficult for insecticides to control. Along with thrips and aphids, these pests are contributing to ongoing pressure across broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
In lettuce, alongside lighter weights, crews are encountering seeder, mildew, internal burn, growth cracks and insect damage, which varies from field to field. Iceberg markets dipped this past week, but with lower yields expected in upcoming lots, prices are projected to remain high through the end of the Salinas season.
Looking ahead, Huron is expected to begin harvest in October, and bed prep is under way. Yuma plantings will begin in September, but it’s too early to get a clear read on crop conditions. We’ll know more once early stands are up and growing.
Salinas will remain the main production area, but with variability in the fields we’ll need to focus on weight and quality. As insect and disease pressure increase, we expect yields to tighten and markets to become more active as September approaches. Staying close to your suppliers and planning for faster turns can help manage what’s shaping up to be a dynamic finish to the season.
Joey Piedimonte, sourcing manager at PRO*ACT LLC, leverages over a decade of produce industry experience to lead teams, manage key vendor relationships and simplify complex challenges. He is dedicated to growth, strong partnerships and supporting the agricultural community.
