Sweet potato consumption has grown during the past five years.
Last year's crop was the largest since 1950. This year's total may be even higher.
Sweet potato harvest has started in the Central Valley, and farmers say they hope that early rains don't hit the crop.
California ranks second in the nation in sweet potato production.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The lettuce harvest in the Salinas Valley will continue for more than a month.
The Department of Agriculture notes demand for iceberg lettuce has stayed fairly level recently.
Romaine has seen a slightly higher market and greater demand from consumers.
Once the harvest in Salinas wraps up, farmers will begin harvesting fields in the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys as well as in Arizona.
