Blog

By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

Hanging in my closet is a t-shirt that reads, “Ever had a salad in December? You’re welcome – Yuma, Arizona” Whenever I wear it, I sometimes get asked what that’s even supposed to mean, or what salads have to do with Yuma, AZ. It’s the perfect conversation starter to have the chance to educate consumers about where their food comes from because lettuce really does have a lot to do with Yuma!

So why is lettuce so big in Arizona during the winter? Well, thanks to our warmer climate and warmer winters, farmers can keep on growing and harvesting lettuce and other leafy greens through the cold months, whereas most other states get too cold for it to survive. Arizona lettuce is what makes it possible for people across the country to enjoy a green salad as part of their Christmas spread, or just alongside any meal this season!

Here are some more facts about Yuma, Arizona’s lettuce production:

• Yuma, Arizona is known as the winter lettuce capital of the world!
• Yuma ships 1,000 to 1,200 truckloads of lettuce to the United States and Canada each day!
• For about 5 months of the year, Yuma alone produces about 90% of the lettuce consumed in the United States!
• Here in Arizona, we grow head, romaine, and leaf lettuce.
• About 45,000-55,000 acres of lettuce are grown in Arizona each year.

Lettuce is just one of the many crops that highlights Arizona’s unique agriculture production! The Fill Your Plate blog is full of other articles about lettuce and other crops, as well as delicious recipes that use Arizona-grown produce!

Just remember, the next time that you have a salad in December, remember to thank Yuma, Arizona farmers!!