SALINAS, CA - The transition back to the desert has begun, with Ocean Mist Farms having recently moved its iceberg harvesting operations over to Huron, California, as it works its way back to the desert region.
Thus far, Vice President of Harvesting Art Barrientos tells me the outlook will be a rather smooth transition.
“I can only speak for our operations, but currently we are right on our budgeted numbers with what looks like a balanced market,” Art shares with me. “The weather has been unseasonably warm in Huron, but it doesn’t look to have had any influence on the iceberg lettuce. Currently, we are on schedule and seeing excellent quality.”
Ocean Mist will remain in Huron for a three week period, then transition to the Yuma region on November 17 or 18, just in time for Thanksgiving demand.
“We are currently seeing fairly balanced volumes–for the most part the industry has seen volumes return to normal, and the market looks to be reflecting that,” Art explains. “Demand hasn’t fallen off at all. We’ve been moving the lettuce we have in the ground without any issues, and we haven’t seen any acreage left behind.”
As for the company’s flagship commodity, artichokes, Art stated they have steady weekly volumes with no foreseeable issues on the horizon.
“We started harvesting artichokes in the Oxnard/Camarillo area last week, where we will harvest through the Christmas Pull," he shares. "Our Coachella Valley production should start harvesting around the first of December."
As we continue to move with the growing regions, AndNowUKnow will keep you in the loop on all the latest.
