The series of unseasonably strong cold troughs passing through the desert growing regions have begun to take their toll on crops in the area.

Epidermal peel is the main effect growers are seeing right now on romaine and lettuce items and later this week they will assess if the younger crops have been affected by the frost. Growers are also worried about crops ‘shutting down’ in which case product stops growing and goes into hibernation and can potentially create supply gaps in the future.

Growers have reported lower production because of slowed growth and later starts of up to a couple hours in the mornings in the more challenging weather conditions. Start times have ranged from 9:00 to 11:00 am depending on conditions at field level. This morning was breezy, with wind reducing ice formation in the fields.

Demand for the more temperature-sensitive crops such as broccoli & cauliflower are picking up & prices are improving we are told, while more leaf items with significant supplies still in storage have not seen extreme price effects as of yet.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we follow the desert growing season.