🌱 Organic Lettuce Leaving Yuma + AWC Matador Guard Commits To LCU

Hey, Yuma! Let's get you started this Saturday with everything you need to know going on around town today.

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First, today's weather:

Hot; breezy in the afternoon. High: 101 Low: 63.

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Here are the top three stories in Yuma today:

1. As local growers face changing market demands, product quality, and insect damage, organic lettuce is transitioning out of Yuma and back to Salinas, California, for the moment. Patty Emmert of Duncan Family Farms in Goodyear noted that this annual transition time always creates some disruption in the supply chain, but "spinach and arugula are where we are experiencing most of the current supply issues." Emmert also noted an increase in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) platforms that are growing lettuce and greens for salad blends. "These production models tend to focus more on local distribution and provide the ability to grow salad greens in climates where open field production may be limited or not an option," said Emmert. (Hortidaily)
2. On Thursday afternoon, the Arizona Western College Matadors wished student-athlete Najeeb Muhammad well as he prepares to take his basketball talents to the next level. Muhammad signed his letter of intent to Lubbock Christian University before his coaches, teammates, and friends, all of whom commended his leadership on and off the court. During his time with the Matadors, Muhammad played guard in 38 games and averaged 11.4 points per game. He was one of the Matadors' consistent scorers in the 2021-2022 season and scored in double-figures 17 times. (KYMA)
3. B&G Foods, Inc. announced yesterday that it has acquired the frozen vegetable manufacturing operations of Growers Express. The Parsippany, New Jersey-based company's acquisition includes inventory, equipment, a sublease for a portion of a manufacturing facility in Yuma, and a lease for a warehouse facility in San Luis. B&G Foods will absorb approximately 155 employees of Growers Express. (Produce Blue Book)

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Today in Yuma:

• Mother's Day Fashion Show At Simply Shabby Mini Mall (9:00 AM)
• HerStory At Yuma Civic Center (11:00 AM)
• Open Studio At The Artsy Fartsy Studio (12:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Applications for the Yuma Police Department's open Police Records Specialist position close tomorrow, May 8, at 11:59 p.m.! Learn more about this career opportunity and submit your application here. (Facebook)
• Celebrate Mother's Day at Desert Hills with a free green fee for Mom all day on Sunday! A $15 cart fee applies. (City of Yuma)
• Spend a weekend in nature this Mother's Day Weekend! Martinez Lake Resort is offering 2-for-1 rentals all weekend, along with drink and food specials. Visit martinezlake.com to explore rental options for paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats. (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all Monday morning for another update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.