Texas peach and blackberry producers are reporting above-average fruit sets, good growing conditions and very few issues as they near harvests. According to Larry Stein, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, Uvalde, there was fear among growers that Winter Storm Uri might impact Texas peach production significantly, but all signs point to an above-average crop. Blackberries were also expected to produce a bumper crop.
Conditions have been good overall since the freeze for Texas' fruit crop. Dry conditions helped trees avoid disease issues, and timely rains have provided good additional moisture as fruit begins to fill out. So far, spring storms have produced minimal hail and turbulent winds that can cause yield loss.
Peach crop progresses
The Texas peach crop continues to progress and that producers are expecting a good year. Availability should be good, but demand and prices are expected to be higher than normal.
The peach crop looks very good. There were some fruit set losses on trees with actively growing buds, but trees with tight buds came through the cold fine and are progressing nicely. Producers should do well because demand will be very high, and consumers should expect good, quality fruit.
Eu.brownwoodtx.com reports that some early fruiting varieties in South Texas and varieties grown in high tunnel houses in the Hill Country are ripening and should be available soon.