The news is good from the state's cabbage patch, according to an expert with Texas Cooperative Extension.

The state's cabbage crop is thriving, thanks to good growing conditions in Southwest Texas and in spite of one of the wettest Novembers on record.

The extra moisture paired with cool weather helped to produce what Jose Pena of Uvalde, Extension economist, said is a great crop.

"Most cabbage is doing exceptionally well," he said. "Quality is good, and the market is very acceptable. So far it's a good story."

However, producers were concerned when November's rainfall total reached near-record levels across the area where most of the state's cabbage is grown. November ended as one of the rainiest months the area has had in about a century.

"Initially we were concerned that the very wet fields were going to cause a problem, but it didn't," Pena said.
When leaves stay wet and humidity stays high, disease can become a problem. However, Pena said cooler weather and periodic dry weather allowed harvest from October through December.

"Cold weather helped a lot," he said.

Rain cloud rumbles can sometimes lead a producer to grumble. But Pena said, "The rain ended up as a plus.
"We were able to reduce irrigation costs while maintaining reasonably acceptable yields. They weren't ideal conditions, but they were favorable."

The rain caused some difficulties at harvest time. However, Pena said, "There were sufficient windows between our ‘gully washers' of rain to allow us to harvest as we went."

Cabbage is a cool season crop that is primarily grown in the southern region of Texas in all but the hottest months. "We stagger planting dates so Texas can produce cabbage all through the fall, winter and spring months," he said.

Planting begins as early as August and continues through September and early spring. Harvest occurs during fall, winter and spring.

Most Texas cabbage is sold fresh as whole heads, but Pena said most ends up as a processed food item such as coleslaw.

The vegetable is bringing in some "green."

"Prices are very attractive, very respectable," he said. "Prices vary from day to day, but a 50-pound bag or carton [of cabbage] brings between $6 and $10." It is currently selling for about $9 per bag.

Nationally, Texas ranks No. 1 in winter cabbage production with a harvest between 300 million to 400 million pounds. For overall production, Texas is listed third behind California and New York.