US: Texas watermelon growers report high yields, sweet quality

Published Jun 24, 2024

Tridge summary

Texas watermelon growers are reporting a strong season with good yields and high quality, despite a few issues such as pest problems and hail. The hot weather has helped increase the weight of the melons and improve their brix counts. However, prices have declined from the high prices at the start of the season. Consumers can buy their Fourth of July watermelons any time the week before the holiday, but those who prefer sweeter melons should look for certain characteristics. The article also provides an overview of the weather and crop conditions in various areas of Texas, indicating that conditions have ranged from hot and dry to mild and humid, with some areas receiving beneficial rainfall while others have experienced dry conditions. Overall, livestock conditions are reported to be good, and cattle markets remain strong.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Texas watermelon growers are reporting very good yields and high quality this year, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Producers in both of the state’s primary growing regions, the Rio Grande Valley and Winter Garden, report a strong season with minimal issues producing the summertime-favorite melon. “Overall, we are seeing more pounds per acre this year,” said Juan Anciso, AgriLife Extension horticulture program leader and associate head of the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Science based at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Weslaco. “Quality is also very high this year with good sweetness levels.” Anciso said the season started with producers getting much higher prices per pound than last year, in the low 30-cent-per-pound range. But prices have since declined, and producers are getting between 18-22 cents per pound. That is slightly down from this same time last year, but Anciso said prices overall have been on par with last ...

Source: Farm Progress