College Station, Texas
January 11, 2005
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. |