For the first time, it looks like we have a cucumber policy, a pickle policy. It appears we're going to have more and more crop insurance on vegetables. As far as the current Valley crop goes, Prewett said harvesting of greens and cabbages continues, and the onion harvest should begin in March. The TPA vice president indicated that some growers went with the first planting of a new release of the 1015 onion. Melons began going into the ground in late January.
Water continues to be a big issue.
Most growers have some water right now, so at least we are not in a crisis now. Wintergarden Extension Horticulturist Frank Dainello of College Station said it's been a pretty decent growing season in the Wintergarden so far. Insects are a problem in a mild winter like this. Carrot acreage has actually increased in the last three years. Cabbage has come back pretty good as well.