By Clint Thompson
North Florida watermelon acreage does not figure to decrease in 2025; not after the successful seasons farmers have experienced the last two seasons, says Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida.
“I think if we settle that there were 1,000 more acres last year, I don’t know that we’ll get another 1,000 acres on top of that, but it does appear as though there’s going to be a few hundred or several hundred acres increase in the Suwanee Valley area,” Hochmuth said.
There was an estimated 8,000 acres produced last year, according to Mark Warren, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension agent in Levy County,. Not only does the previous season’s success impact next year’s acreage, producers’ other crops will factor as well.
“Most of these growers grow other crops. A lot of the agronomic crops have struggled even more. I think that plays into some of the decision-making process,” Hochmuth said. “We’re hoping that the watermelon crop and market will be strong enough. I think that plays a factor with peanuts and corn, particularly in this region.”
Neighboring States
Florida farmers also need to remember that much of their 2024 success hinged on Georgia production coming online later than expected. That may not be the case in 2025.
“The watermelon industry is definitely segmented by particular windows, geographically, starting in South Florida, central Florida, North Florida and then into Georgia. Of course, when Georgia has a lot of acres, that’s a huge impact when Georgia comes on board,” Hochmuth said.
“That same trend geographically goes on up the country. Everybody has their own window and if the window on the previous or the latter is open for you, then that particular segment will be able to take advantage. That’s kind of what’s happened for us here.”