Desert ice slowing lettuce harvests

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 released this crop update December 13, 2022:

The Arizona/California desert growing region received rainfall late afternoon Monday from a passing cold front totaling no more than .10 inches.

Current temperatures have dipped into the low to mid-30°s, causing heavy lettuce ice to form this morning across the region and more lettuce ice to be expected through the week. Considerable production and loading delays will be anticipated to continue this week as a result.

• A passing cold front has caused desert region temperatures to drop significantly
• Widespread, moderate-to heavy ice developed on lettuce and other desert row crops this morning
• Harvesting delays of up to four hours have been reported; production and loading delays can also be expected
• More low temperatures and ice are forecast through the rest of the week, but will diminish in severity by Friday, December 16
• Plant growth will slow down and ice-related defects such as epidermal blister and peel will become more common over the next several days

Markon inspectors are monitoring conditions and supplies and will update further as needed.