Despite the challenges caused by weather conditions and lower-than-normal prices, cantaloupes in Texas are pulling through, Texas Cooperative Extension reports.

Tommy Dominguez, Extension agent in Reeves County, said cantaloupes in that area are doing well.

"There are about 500 acres planted in Reeves, and harvest is complete," he said.

The lack of delays at spring planting time helped the crop get a jump start, Dominguez said.

Although some people say Pecos cantaloupes are sweeter, it is really just a matter of opinion, he said, adding warm weather helps ripen the fruit and make it sweet.

At harvest time, rain caused a few delays but not enough to damage the crop significantly.

"Right now yields and quality are good," Dominguez said.

"Overall Pecos cantaloupes did very well. Blue Bell even introduced a new flavor of ice cream using Pecos cantaloupes, so you know they are going to be very sweet," he said.

Cantaloupe harvest in other parts of the state is also coming to a close.

Jose Pena, Extension economist in Uvalde, said cantaloupe harvest went very well there.

"There was a lot of rainfall in April which did cause some delays. However, yields and quality were not greatly affected," he said.

Normally yields are about 450 cartons per acre. The extra rain reduced yields to about 400 cartons per acre.
Prices were also a little bit lower this year. Sometimes cantaloupes will sell for around $11 per box. This year, producers received about $8 to $8.50 per box, Pena said.