<p>Growers in the Central and San Joaquin Valley are kicking off harvest in the desert regions of the Western U.S. and while different growing operations are on their own unique schedules, all appears to be on track...and with minimal weather complications so far.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The weather has been surprisingly mild, growers note, which has led to good quality right from the start of the various deals.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Coastline Produce, Sales Professional, Mark McBride, tells AndNowUKnow, "Winter in the desert usually includes rain and frost—both of which can delay normal harvest and lead to quality concerns. Every year is different, and staying vigilant with regards to the weather is a must! Our growers also constantly monitor both the short and long term weather forecasts to assure consistent supply of our varied crops."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Merritt Bruce, Vice President of Sales, Growers Express, tells AndNowUKnow, "Growers Express is scheduled to start the majority of leaf this weekend in Yuma. The quality looks good, but with chances of rain on Friday and Saturday we may consider pushing some harvest to Monday the 25th."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">McBride notes that the company is currently only harvesting lettuce in the Yuma area and will continue there until Brawley starts December 9th. Desert production of cauliflower is slated for November 25th in Brawley as well as broccoli on December 2nd, and romaine, romaine hearts, green & red leaf, green onions and bunching items. Celery will continue out of Oxnard through the first of the year at which point it will transition to Brawley.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Other growers tell us they began harvesting leafy greens around mid-November and are now moving into broccoli and cauliflower as the season gets underway.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we follow the season in Yuma and the desert growing regions.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
