Florida Watermelons: Crops in the Ground, Uncertainty Abounds

Today, as fruit and vegetable farmers in South Florida decide what to do with produce once destined for now-closed schools and restaurants, watermelon farmers in North Florida have recently finished planting their crops.

Given the uncertainty around the market for fresh produce, the decision to plant came down to economics, said Mark Warren, agriculture agent for UF/IFAS Extension Levy County.

“For many, this crop represents a large portion of their annual income, and they have already invested in land rent, tillage, fertilizer, seed, transplant costs, irrigation, and plastic mulch,” Warren said.

Learn more about Florida Watermelons: Crops in the Ground, Uncertainty Abounds.