The watermelon industry is extremely popular in Georgia, with watermelons grown on approximately 20,000 acres each year. Still, consistently making a profit requires constant innovation and hard work.
Picking, grading, packing, and shipping melons remains the most costly aspect of watermelon production. Irrigating fields and applying newer, more effective fungicides to combat watermelon diseases are also two of the more expensive input costs.
Scientists with the UGA Extension and the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences conduct research trials to help farmers produce a cost-efficient and high-yielding watermelon crop.
Related Stories
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
Large Brazilian crops heighten downside price risk if the weather allows production to reach projected levels.
U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses how January’s WASDE report could impact ARC and PLC payments and updates on disaster relief programs as farmers navigate a challenging market environment.
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.