Persistent cold weather in Northern Mexico hasn't allowed asparagus crops there to progress on a normal schedule. An expected uptick in temperatures through warm rainfall didn't pan out, so supplies of asparagus from Mexico will continue to be light for at least several more weeks.
“We got hit with a cold front this month that slowed us down,” said Bram Hulshoff of Desert Farms. “The cold in December is not a problem because the cold is good for dormancy at that time. But we need more warmth when we start production, and that cold front this month, which has brought night temperatures close to freezing, was not expected.” This has backed up the season for at least two weeks, so it won't be until February, at the earliest, when Mexican growers will catch up with supplies.
There was hope that rains brought on by El Nino would be warm enough to jump start the season. But, days after rains came and went, soil temperatures were not significantly warmer. Hulshoff believes supplies will reach good levels in the coming months and volumes for the season will be on par with that from previous seasons, but the delayed start will throw off the timetable growers are accustomed to.
“It's not like there won't be any asparagus,” said Hulshoff. “As long as conditions are favorable, we'll have decent production. But, if temperatures stay the way they are, peak volumes will get pushed more toward the end of the season.”
For more information:
Bram Hulshoff
Desert Farms
+1 209 221 4704