Horticultural Alternatives for Texas Agriculture

Blueberries

Estimated Cost $3,000 per acre; $1,000 per acre annual operating; 2 years to first harvest; harvest June to July

Market Outlets Pick-your-own; farmers markets; roadside, wholesale

Market Potential Good, but not fully tested

Profit Potential $0 to $5,000 per acre

Adapted Areas East Texas

Labor Requirements When yield is heavy, 10 to 15 pickers per acre are needed to harvest.

Equipment Requirements Tractor, shredder, herbicide sprayer, trailer

Soil Requirements Acid sands, pH 4.5 to 5.5

Water Requirements High quality water required.

Minimum Size 1/4 acre

Risk Factor Moderate

Other Limiting Factors Unknown

Additional Information

Comments Soil and water quality are critical and must be tested for suitability. Investigate labor availability and market outlets. Fertilizer requirements exacting optimum soil types have not been totally identified; site selection is critical. Must incorporate organic matter at planting.

Alternatives Index

Estimated Cost	$3,000 per acre; $1,000 per acre annual operating; 2 years to first harvest; harvest June to July
Market Outlets	Pick-your-own; farmers markets; roadside, wholesale
Market Potential	Good, but not fully tested
Profit Potential	$0 to $5,000 per acre
Adapted Areas	East Texas
Labor Requirements	When yield is heavy, 10 to 15 pickers per acre are needed to harvest.
Equipment Requirements	Tractor, shredder, herbicide sprayer, trailer
Soil Requirements	Acid sands, pH 4.5 to 5.5
Water Requirements	High quality water required.
Minimum Size	1/4 acre
Risk Factor	Moderate
Other Limiting Factors	Unknown
Additional Information
Comments	Soil and water quality are critical and must be tested for suitability. Investigate labor availability and market outlets. Fertilizer requirements exacting optimum soil types have not been totally identified; site selection is critical. Must incorporate organic matter at planting.