Some temperature fluctuations in California could mean some tighter vegetable supplies ahead. In Thermal, where Baloian Farms has its wet vegetable crops including leafy greens, cauliflower, celery, and more, temperatures have recently risen. "Last week it was in the high 70s°F to low 80s°F–last Friday, we had 90°F weather which is warm for this time of year," says Jay Angulo of Baloian Farms.
However this weekend, temperatures are anticipated to drop by about 20° and on Monday the temperature is going to be approximately 71°F and stay in that range for the week.
What does this mean for crops in the region? "The weather is bringing production on. We've been seeing that in the last two weeks with warmth. There's just going to be more supply available because those crops are coming on faster," says Angulo, adding that it had to temporarily alter its harvesting on spinach, a product that wilts in heat. "We've been starting at 4 a.m. and harvesting under portable lights because of the warmth."
Other aspects to watch for
That said, while growers are watching out for heat-related insect pressure (which was seen in the area last year as temperatures climbed), to date this year, Baloian hasn't seen much of it in its fields. "Though with this big drop in temperature this weekend, it can put the plantings behind," says Angulo.
In all, this means a tighter supply of products like these is ahead, particularly now with the potential delay in those plantings. "March is typically the time when we see markets come up anyway. Demand has been pretty weak from January onwards," says Angulo, noting part of it could be the colder temperatures in January and February across much of the country. "Also with the weather changing, a lot of growers have had to step over stuff to keep pace because they have fields coming in."
For more information:
Jay Angulo
Baloian Farms
Tel.: +1 (559) 485-9200
jangulo@baloianfarms.com
www.baloianfarms.com