By Clint Thompson Watermelon acreage in the Suwanee Valley Region of North Florida could see a reduction in 2026. According to one industry expert, it needs to decrease. Reduced acres could benefit the industry in North Florida and South Georgia. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talked …
Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute Informs Growers Ahead of 2026 Season
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers are in the planning stages for next year’s crop in the Suwanee Valley region. That made Thursday’s Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute in Fanning Springs, Florida, especially important. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researchers highlighted trendy topics that producers must consider, a little more than two months away from …
Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute Scheduled for Dec. 4
By Clint Thompson North Florida watermelon growers should mark their calendars for Thursday, Dec. 4 for the annual Suwanee Valley Watermelon Institute. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, talked about the upcoming meeting, scheduled to take place in Fanning Springs, Florida. “The first Thursday in December we’ll …
Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Methods for Managing Watermelon Disease
By Frank Giles In watermelon, diseases can spread fast. In fields where diseases have a history of establishment, outbreaks can arise quickly when conditions are favorable. Most production guides recommend a lengthy rotation of watermelon in fields to help reduce disease inoculum. According to Bhabesh Dutta, professor of plant pathology and Extension vegetable disease specialist for the University of Georgia …
South Carolina Watermelon Producers Struggle with Diseases This Summer
By Clint Thompson South Carolina watermelon producers encountered their share of rainfall this production season. They had to overcome a plethora of diseases as a result. Brittney King, Clemson commercial horticulture Extension agent in Florence, South Carolina, provided an overview of the watermelon season and the challenges it presented this year. Growers still achieved strong yields. “Overall, it went pretty …
Too Much Supply: North Florida Watermelon Acres Not Expected to Increase Again
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 …
North Florida Watermelon Season Recap
By Clint Thompson This year’s watermelon harvests have concluded in North Florida. Yields and quality were very good, despite sandstorms, downy mildew and a challenging market after Memorial Day. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, compiled a recap from Extension agents in the Suwanee Valley. Sponsored …
Drastic Drop: Watermelon Prices Decline Last Two Years
Florida’s watermelon market prices endured a drastic drop this year, and so did growers’ profits. According to a blog post from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), pricing this year tracked below prices recorded in 2023 and 2024. The average reported price on June 13, 2025 was $115.50 per bin. That compares to $231 per …
Georgia Watermelon Growers Hope Prices Stabilize
By Clint Thompson Watermelon prices have not cooperated for Southeast growers looking to capitalize on their crop this summer. That’s a disheartening scenario for Georgia producers who are in the middle of their harvest season and will continue to be for a couple of more weeks. Tim Coolong, associate professor in the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental …
High North Florida Watermelon Acres; Low Market Prices
By Clint Thompson A significant uptick in North Florida watermelon acreage over the last two years has increased production substantially, which has led market prices to drop; as was the case this year. Bob Hochmuth, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Regional Specialized Extension agent in Live Oak, Florida, highlighted the situation facing his region’s growers. …
















