California faces weekend heatwave

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 released this crop update May 28, 2025:

Several California growing regions are bracing for a heat wave that will peak on Friday, May 30 and last through the weekend.

Coastal areas throughout Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard will reach the low 80°s, but inland areas throughout each of these regions are expecting temperatures in the 90°s to low 100°s.

Markon suppliers are adjusting harvest times to minimize production during peak temperatures and will be actively monitoring row crop items for heat-related quality or shelf-life challenges that may develop in the days ahead.

These potential challenges include, but are not limited to:

Broccoli:

• Brown bead/yellow bead
• Branchy shape
• Hollow core
• Increased insect pressure
• Pin rot
• Shortened shelf-life

Strawberries:

• Bruising
• Over-ripe fruit
• Reduced size
• Soft texture
• Shortened shelf-life

Lettuce/Tender Leaf:

• Dehydration/wilting
• Increased insect pressure
• Internal burn
• Premature pinking/discoloration
• Shortened shelf-life
• Yellowing leaves

As always, cold chain management throughout the supply chain is critical for maximizing the quality and shelf-life of perishable produce items.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.