From the Fields: Salinas Valley Rain
Forecasts for California’s Salinas Valley have increased the expected amount of rain arriving Saturday, May 4. Most parts of the valley are now likely to receive about .25”, but some areas may receive closer to .50”. Other key regions such as Santa Maria and Oxnard, California are expected to receive less than .1”.
Growers have packed ahead today to avoid tomorrow’s rain. Any suppliers harvesting tomorrow will take measures to keep product and cartons as clean and dry as possible. Some production delays can be expected through Monday, May 6, pending field conditions.
Markon inspectors will be monitoring row crop vegetable items for any rain-related quality concerns. Lettuce and tender leaf items will be most impacted by the following challenges:
- Bottom rot
- Dirt/mud on the product
- Increased mildew pressure
- Premature pinking in some value-added salads or Washed & Trimmed leaf lettuce packs
- Reduced shelf-life potential
Memorial Day Schedule 2024
Markon’s buying office will be closed for Memorial Day, Monday, May 27; many processors will adjust loading and production schedules due to the holiday.
- Markon’s Salinas consolidation dock will have regular hours for orders
- Taylor Farms’ loading dock will have regular loading hours
- 4Earth’s consolidation dock will have regular loading hours
o The Los Angeles Produce Market will be closed
o 4Earth will not be able to purchase off the market
- Northwest potato shippers’ sales offices and loading docks will be closed
- Tuesday, May 28 loading will be delayed as sheds resume packing with minimal inventories
- California onion sheds will be open for loading by appointment only
- Tuesday, May 28 loading will be delayed as sheds resume packing with minimal inventories