With both yield and quality changes occurring rapidly from day to day, a simple objective method of field sampling broccoli is highly desirable for a once-over harvest operation by hand and is essential for machine harvesting. Studies reported here indicate the difficulty in devising such a sampling method and point out the need for good judgment by farmers and field men until a good method is developed.

Cooperators in this study included: Ray Swift, and Louis Brucker, growers, Oxnard; Gino Lorenzi, fieldman for Oxnard Frozen Foods, Oxnard; and Kenneth Knapp, quality control manager, Oxnard Frozen Foods Cooperative.