Several parts of Texas experienced large downpours of rain this summer, but watermelon production around the Dallas-Forth Worth area was not significantly affected by the extra water. Pricing has been kept in check by the abundance of watermelons from southern states, and the market has been steady through the summer.“We have watermelons from about the Fourth of July through the beginning of August, so production in our part of the state ramps up and goes pretty quickly,” said Dakota Sutton with American Melon Sales in Kemp, Texas. Local growers had been worried that big rainstorms could cause discoloration and rind problems, but, up to this point, what's been harvested has not exhibited major quality issues.
“Quality has been good and sugar content has been good, “said Sutton. Too much water can dilute the sugar content in watermelons, so normal sugar levels in fruit have been a relief.
“We had very good drainage in our fields, so sizing was about normal,” said Sutton. “The melons were a little smaller, but nothing outrageous.” He added that quick-maturing fruit might be one of the reasons why sizing has been slightly smaller this year, since fruit might have been ready for harvesting before it could bulk up in size.
On July 14, prices for 35-count red seedless watermelons from Texas were between $0.14 and $0.16 per pound, and prices for seeded varieties were between $0.12 and $0.14 per pound. Competition from other watermelon-growing states has kept prices in check, though Sutton characterized the market as steady.
“I get calls from growers in Georgia trying to sell us watermelons, and while we're flooded with fruit here in Texas we still get watermelons from Florida,” he said. “With all of that fruit, I see the market staying the same through the end of July.”
For more information:
Dakota Sutton
American Melon Sales
+1 903 498 0087