Insights from farmers and ranchers across the Golden State, including members of the California Farm Bureau.
Jonathan Merrill Monterey County vegetable grower
The vegetable growing season is at the front end of the transition from the desert. The supply and harvest are moving from Southern California, Arizona and Mexico to the Salinas Valley. We had a few fields harvested last month, and things are starting to pick up. We have our first head lettuce and romaine lettuce starting to get cut this week. The lettuce looks phenomenal. We’ve had great growing conditions. The rains caused some issues in terms of planting challenges and timing, but we were able to meet all our deadlines. Last year, we had acres flooded or damaged. This year, we’ve been strategic in where we decided to plant to minimize our risk and maximize plantings. The last few years, impatiens necrotic spot virus has been the talk of the town in the Salinas Valley. It was significant in causing some of the worst lettuce crop losses I’ve seen in my career. But last year, we saw lower disease pressures. We’re off to a strong start this year as far as disease issues and crop quality. The yields have been excellent. The cost of labor is an ongoing challenge. The industry in the Salinas Valley is doing a good job of paying a fair wage and staying ahead of the minimum wage. But it is a challenge because it’s expensive. The availability of labor can also be an issue when you get into the season. I’m working with farm labor contractors, and if we can schedule things appropriately, plan ahead and be efficient, we can meet the needs in the field. Other costs have also gone up. The cost and maintenance of tractors and other ve- hicles is more expensive. Land rent has gone up significantly. Merrill Farms produces directly for shippers. We’re susceptible to whatever the market rates are. Right now, markets are decent. Harvest is on time and things are functioning well. We’re kicking into gear. The growing season will continue through November or December.
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