As Texas fruit growers battle unpredictable chill hours and late spring freezes, a small, but growing, group is turning to lesser-known or “alternative” fruit crops in search of more resilient and profitable options.
Fruits such as figs, blackberries and raspberries continue to draw interest from niche growers. In East Texas, producers are starting to explore the viability of jujube, golden kiwi, mayhaws, pawpaw and elderberries, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists.
These fruits offer unique opportunities and challenges in Texas’ unpredictable climate.
In Central Texas, figs continue to thrive, said Larry Stein, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension horticulture specialist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, Uvalde.
Varieties such as Alma, CelesteandTexasEverbearing perform well in the region.
“Figs have always been among Texas’ more forgiving fruits,” Stein said. “They can handle the heat, require minimal chill and recover well from extreme weather.”
AgriLife Extension reporters compiled the following summary for the Central Texas district: The district experienced a mix of weather conditions this past week. Some areas received 1.5-3 inches of much-needed rain, while others remained dry with above-normal temperatures.
The first hay harvest progressed. Crop conditions remain mostly positive. Corn performed well and has begun to tassel in many areas. Grain sorghum was thriving, cotton was emerging nicely where planted, and peanuts showed vigorous growth. Thrips activity was minimal.
Wheat and oat harvests continued steadily, though yields were expected to vary widely — from 20 to 70 bushels per acre, with some fields producing shorter crops due to weather stress.
Despite the uneven moisture, pastures and rangeland generally stayed green and in good condition, though signs of stress have emerged in drier areas.
Livestock remained in good condition. Market prices were strong, especially for lightweight calves and packer cows.
Stocker cattle were moved off winter forage pastures. Producers in drier zones continued supplemental feeding.