Northern California Areas Experience Delays in Production Due to Weather Complications
Salinas and Huron, CA
By Jordan Okumura
03.25.13
As many products, finish up this week in the desert growing regions of Arizona and California, the northern California areas that include Salinas and Huron are starting up with some delays from the budgeted start dates. 
This time of year, growers are transitioning from the winter growing areas of the desert to the summer growing areas of Northern & Central California. Temperatures have been cooler than normal so the plants are growing a little slower than expected, so they are ready for harvest dates later than was budgeted, a Northern California grower tells AndNowUKnow.
In Huron, California, a bridge between the desert and Salinas areas during the transition, primarily iceberg and leaf lettuce is being delayed (the Huron season is only about 3 – 4 weeks).
Product quality continues to be affected from the previous weeks' warm temperatures in the desert, presenting the occasional heat related damages. Most crops suffered some dehydration, and wilting on leafy items as temperatures were in the mid to high 90’s during the middle of March for the desert areas. Iceberg and romaine were potentially exposed to heat that caused tip burn, internal burn and at times, sunscald on the outer leaves.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest updates on weather.
