Heat, Disease and Storm Damage Tighten Fall Lettuce Supplies

Lettuce supplies are expected to remain extremely tight through the end of the Salinas, Calif., season as heat, disease pressure and weather problems in emerging production regions limit the industry’s ability to quickly rebuild volume.

Markon reported Oct. 12 that green leaf, iceberg and romaine supplies are expected to remain extremely limited through the end of the Salinas season in early to mid-November.

Abnormally high temperatures have reduced yields and pushed prices higher, while growers continue dealing with Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus, Sclerotinia and other production challenges.

Quality currently ranges from fair to good in the Salinas and Santa Maria growing regions, according to Markon. Insect pressure, internal burn, mildew and seeder are being found in many lots, while crop losses and lower yields continue throughout the Salinas Valley.

The industry is beginning its seasonal transition to other growing regions, but those areas are facing challenges of their own.

Production is starting in Huron, Calif., where the crop is expected to provide some relief as Salinas and Santa Maria wind down. Markon reported that plant health and overall quality in Huron are considerably better than remaining coastal supplies, although many iceberg case weights are expected to remain below premium specifications.

New Mexico lettuce production also is ramping up, but early-season rains eliminated an estimated 10% to 15% of plantings. Romaine is expected to be the most limited lettuce from that region through late November.

Additional supplies are expected from South Carolina beginning the week of Oct. 19, while Mexican production continues year-round.

The transition to desert production has now developed another complication.

Growing areas in the Arizona and California deserts received three rain events after fall and winter planting began. The most recent storm, Oct. 10-12, brought strong winds and moderate rainfall.

Coachella and Westmoreland, Calif., received 1.5 to 2 inches of rain, with some areas experiencing flash flooding. Markon reported that some first plantings suffered losses of 10% to 20% in Coachella and as much as 40% in Westmoreland.

Growers have begun recovery efforts, including plans to use transplants to supplement some damaged fields.

The weather could create uneven stands and growth during the first three weeks of the Yuma season, which begins in mid-November. Markon said consistent stands and yields may not develop until late November.

That is particularly significant because disease and crop losses are causing the Salinas and Santa Maria seasons to wind down more quickly than usual, potentially forcing suppliers into desert production sooner than planned.

For produce buyers, the combination means lettuce markets could remain challenging through the transition, with limited supplies, variable weights and quality concerns likely to continue into November.