Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 released this crop update April 3, 2023:
A limited number of suppliers will begin harvesting iceberg and leaf lettuce crops in the Huron, California region this week.
Some desert regional supplies will remain available for two to three more weeks, while other areas such as Oxnard, California will also serve as a short stopgap before the Salinas and Santa Maria Valley’s start harvesting.
Huron supplies are roughly 10 to 12 days behind schedule to due to consistently cold and rainy conditions over the past two months. Iceberg lettuce quality is very good; case weights will be light as production begins, with 24-count liner lettuce expected to weigh 35 to 38 lb.
Romaine and green leaf quality also looks good overall, but there is elevated dirt and insect pressure at the base of the heads. Case weights for 24-count romaine will be in the low-30 lb. range and green leaf will weigh about 18 to 20 lb. to start.
Markon inspectors are monitoring supplies in all major growing regions and will continue to update throughout the seasonal transition back to the Salinas Valley.
