Rains late in the season across the Valley were beneficial after the hot, dry summer months. When combined with a late freeze last winter, some growers were concerned about the season’s output. As Cooper points out, though, the summer’s oppressive heat is good for the crop as it can boost even, steady ripening.
The Texas red grapefruit season, which runs from October to May, was under extra pressure this year, thanks to the impact of destructive Atlantic storms like Hurricane Irma. While most Lone Star citrus is for the fresh market and not juice, Florida’s losses and the continued scourge of citrus greening created scarce supply.
The resulting decline provided an opportunity for both California and Texas producers. “We expect Texas citrus will play a more prominent role this year,” shares Cooper, especially in shipments to Europe. At the same time, Wonderful Citrus is also planning to expand exports of another type of citrus—limes—to new segments of the European market.
Watermelon and other homegrown favorites
In addition to its citrus industry, Texas is the biggest watermelon producer in the country, generating more than $75 million annually. Though the sweet thumpers are grown in many counties, the Lower Rio Grande Valley is the state’s top producer.
This year’s crop, despite all the weather drama, was pretty good though supply was often tight during peak demand in June and July. Growers certainly had their share of worries, which included heavy spring rain in some regions. Fortunately, the dry summer months (detrimental to other crops) prevented the spread of diseases like black rot that thrive in excess moisture.
Of course, there are plenty of other fruits and vegetables besides citrus and watermelon growing in the Valley, from onions and chile peppers to tomatoes and blackberries. Some crops, primarily winter vegetables like onions, saw delayed plantings due to rain.
For pumpkin growers, it was indeed a rollercoaster last season: first came reduced fruit size due to high temperatures, followed by excessive rains from Hurricane Harvey in northern counties in the late summer. Next came downpours in October, delaying harvests during the critical fall marketing window for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Cabbage harvests got underway at the end of October and beginning of November, but many suppliers were already deep into Mexican imports for asparagus, celery, berries, lemons, and more.
Crossing the Border
As a leading economic engine in Texas, demand continues to climb for Mexican imports crossing the border.
Overall, loads going to and from Mexico have risen the last few years, though most are coming into the Lone Star State—up 7.4 percent in 2016—commandeering a healthy slice of the $23 billion in agricultural goods imported from Mexico.
