California harvest was reported to be on schedule. The crop appears to be in good condition despite cold weather which hindered late sizing. California acreage is forecast at 9,800 acres, up 3 percent from both 1997 and 1998. Producers reported that head size was reduced due to cold weather in late December. Despite smaller heads, the quality was good.
Harvest is on schedule, despite recent cold temperatures.
Below freezing temperatures for a few nights in late December kept desert area growers from harvesting until early afternoon. The frost affected the external quality of the lettuce and head weights dropped, while losses were minimal. California field conditions have been good to date. Planting is just getting underway and will continue for the next couple of months. In Texas, some areas were planting late due to adverse weather conditions.