| 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. |
| Comments |
Texas citrus, particularly grapfruit, remains in high demand for gift fruit and 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. |
