This summer has brought a wave of unusually warm temperatures that we typically don’t experience until late summer or early fall. In addition to crops maturing earlier than expected, we also have to adjust our farming practices to adapt to the heat. Here are a few of the ways we manage our fields during the hottest part of the season:
Irrigation Schedule : Keeping up with irrigation is especially important during periods of extreme heat, as the soil dries out much more quickly. We work hard to keep our crops properly hydrated to minimize heat stress and maintain plant health. During this time of year, it’s common for fields to be harvested early in the morning and irrigated later in the evening when temperatures begin to cool.
Harvesting Before Sunrise: Harvesting before sunrise is a common practice across many agricultural sectors, including vegetables, fruit, and wine grapes. On especially hot days, our spinach and cilantro crews may begin harvesting as early as 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. using light towers because these crops are particularly sensitive to heat. Starting before dawn allows our crews to work in cooler conditions and helps ensure the produce is harvested and cooled before temperatures climb.
Protecting Our Workers: The safety of our employees is always our top priority. During periods of extreme heat, harvest crews may end their workday early as temperatures rise. Conditions can vary significantly from one field to another, even within the same geographic area, so our foremen closely monitor temperatures and make sure crews have frequent hydration and rest breaks. Together with our harvest manager, they determine when it’s time to stop for the day. While this may reduce the amount of product we harvest, protecting the health and safety of our workers will always come first.
