After some favorable weather early this month, another wave of cold, gusty winds has caused temperatures to dip and lettuce ice to develop over the past several days. More lettuce ice is expected throughout the week which will result in continued production and loading delays. Ice and wind-related defects from this most recent cold snap are already presenting themselves in lettuce crops primarily, but most desert crops will at least experience slowed plant growth. Younger crops that still have one to four weeks to fully mature, may exhibit significant epidermal blister and peel issues. Markon inspectors are evaluating commodity and value-added items closely and selecting the best product for Markon orders, as well as working with crews to minimize quality defects.