Harvesting schedule thrown off by long stretch of unseasonable heat

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Temperatures across the Yuma region have remained well above average recently, creating challenges for farmers with their agricultural calendar.

Multiple days of record-breaking heat this month have pushed crops off schedule, with some harvests now occurring over a week earlier than expected.

"It has been a volatile up-and-down with quality and supply," Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association President Mike Pasquinelli said.

The unseasonable heat has forced farmers to harvest summer crops, despite market demand remaining lower than usual.

Pasquinelli explained the difficulty of managing crops under these conditions.

"Well, we do as best as we can," he said. "We only have a certain finite window where we can harvest the vegetables and they be good for market."

With the current situation, profit margins are taking a hit.

"Right now, the market's are kind of depressed because we have an over-supply situation between everything bunching up, so we'll see," Pasquinelli added.

The effects of the heat are not limited to current harvests. As a result of the steady high temperatures, upcoming summer crops are also developing ahead of schedule.

"Melons, they look to be ten days to two weeks ahead of schedule, as well. The weather's been nice, so they’re growing," Pasquinelli said.

For farmers in the Desert Southwest, the persistent and intensifying heat remains an uncontrollable factor that is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

As temperatures continue to climb, growers are left adapting as best they can to protect both their crops.