SALINAS, CA - The lengthier spring, pre-summer heat has been good news for California’s water levels, but has also meant a slower start to the state’s Salad Bowl for leafy greens.

“Since coming back to the Salinas Valley after the desert growing season, we’ve had unseasonably cool weather,” Jason Lathos, Church Brothers Farms' Commodity Manager, recently shared with me.

The result, he said, has been smaller head sizes on lettuce and light yields on pounds per-acre. The pattern, though, year over year, is that warmth will come, likely following the next couple of weeks.

“Thankfully the days are getting longer, but we’re still waiting for the heat,” Jason agreed. “Over the coming weeks, the supply quantity versus demand is level, which is very similar to 2023.”

With lettuce becoming a popular addition for the grill in general, not to mention the classic burgers and salads they’ll be critical for come 4th of July celebrations, AndNowUKnow will continue to report any changes in the lettuce market.