By Clint Thompson
Watermelon production in North Florida approached 10,000 acres in 2025. One University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) scientist believes there will not be another increase next year following a glut in supply that led to decreased prices.
Bob Hochmuth, UF/IFAS Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, discussed the state of the industry in the Suwanee Valley Region.
“(Acres) definitely will level off, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes back to maybe where it should be,” Hochmuth said. “I think a couple of years ago when we were at 7,000 or so acres, we had a few really good years, and this year when you get up to an increase that brings you closer to 10,000 acres, trying to squeeze that much into that window is tough.
“No single year is going to be identical, and therefore it’s hard to say whether that should be 7,000, 9,000 or 10,000 acres. However, Memorial Day weekend is not nearly as big of a window as the Fourth of July. You can only grow so many more acres that early in the spring.”
Low Market Prices
North Florida growers enjoyed a bountiful harvest this past season, but excitement was diminished some because of low market prices.
“The price is really, really important in the overall profitability. I want to be able to have as many acres as we possibly can grow in this area at a good profit. The problem is when you get too many acres, the supply and demand take over,” Hochmuth said. “Nobody’s going to win when the price is driven down by excessive volume in the marketplace.
“It’s really not that I’m in favor of 7,000 or 9,000 or 10,000, I’m in favor of 100,000 if we can do it profitably.”