Horticultural Alternatives for Texas Agriculture

Citrus

Estimated Cost $3,000 per acre; $1,000 per acre annual operating; 3 years to first harvest; harvest October to April

Market Outlets Packing sheds and gift fruit shippers, cooperatives

Market Potential Good because of limited production size

Profit Potential $0 to $1,000 per acre

Adapted Areas Rio Grande Valley

Labor Requirements One man per 50 acres

Equipment Requirements Air blast sprayer, tractor, herbicide equipment, irrigation equipment

Soil Requirements Sandy loam

Water Requirements Flood irrigation

Minimum Size 25 acres if equipment is owned

Risk Factor High

Other Limiting Factors Winter freezes can cause crop and tree losses with resulting negative cash flow.

Additional Information

Comments Texas citrus, particularly grapfruit, remains in high demand for gift fruit & wholesale outlets. During periods of good growth and no freezes, it can be very profitable; however, the chance of winter freezes keeps this crop in the high risk category.

Alternatives Index

Estimated Cost	$3,000 per acre; $1,000 per acre annual operating; 3 years to first harvest; harvest October to April
Market Outlets	Packing sheds and gift fruit shippers, cooperatives
Market Potential	Good because of limited production size
Profit Potential	$0 to $1,000 per acre
Adapted Areas	Rio Grande Valley
Labor Requirements	One man per 50 acres
Equipment Requirements	Air blast sprayer, tractor, herbicide equipment, irrigation equipment
Soil Requirements	Sandy loam
Water Requirements	Flood irrigation
Minimum Size	25 acres if equipment is owned
Risk Factor	High
Other Limiting Factors	Winter freezes can cause crop and tree losses with resulting negative cash flow.
Additional Information
Comments	Texas citrus, particularly grapfruit, remains in high demand for gift fruit & wholesale outlets. During periods of good growth and no freezes, it can be very profitable; however, the chance of winter freezes keeps this crop in the high risk category.