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March 13, 2024

Market News

Mother Nature continues to impact supplies and quality out west as the last in a
series of storm systems look to pass to the north of Central California and exit
to the east today. As this system passes to the north Southern California along
with the Desert regions are bracing for another strong wind event. Sustained
20-35mph winds with gusts up to 45mph are expected across the southwestern
desert region into Friday. High pressure returns early next week with rapidly
warming temperatures in the desert regions.
These Desert region crops have already been battered by previous freezes, heat
waves, hail and rains in the region. Strong winds can then do extensive damage
to these already weakened crops, especially spinach, spring mix and tender leaf
items. The leaves of the various crops can be left tattered and torn allowing an
entrance for pathogens to take hold. The winds will also likely increase
dehydration in the leafy green crops once again impacting the texture and shelf
life of most crops.
Warmer temperatures in the desert regions will quickly increase insect
populations across the region. Aphids, flies and other insects are noticeable in
many upcoming fields. As growers combat the bugs with insecticide sprays the
small gnats and flies tend to hide and accumulate in between the leaves as they
die off making them very difficult to find and remove during harvests. The warm
temperatures will also increase heat related defects including weak tip internal
burn, twist/irregular shape and seeders, while also contributing to weaker,
dehydrated texture and lesser overall shelf life. Mildews and disease pressure
are also taking a toll on current production of iceberg and romaine with some
fields being left behind due to poor quality. These supplies will continue to
show some premature pinking along the rib that is not seen during harvest and
tends to show up during transit and storage.
On the processing side extreme heat or cold can cause physiological changes in
the plants causing leaf sensitivity and a weaker overall texture. This can result in
increased mechanical damage and bruising during harvest and processing.
Processed leafy green items will also likely see an increase in discoloration and
breakdown showing up in the bag affecting shelf life. Spinach and spring mix
items tend to be most susceptible to weather fluctuations due to being
harvested at a very young stage. The spring mix and tender leaf items will
continue to show some yellowing, discoloration and breakdown in the bag along
with weaker texture and lesser shelf life due to the growing conditions in the
region.
It remains very important to keep your rotations in check as the overall quality
and shelf life of most crops, especially processed items, will be challenged.

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