Texas strawberry season slow to start, but quality stays high

Despite setbacks early in the growing cycle, producers across the state are now seeing improved fruit development and expect ample supplies of high-quality locally grown strawberries through the next several weeks, said Larry Stein, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension horticulture specialist and professor, in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, Uvalde.

“It’s been a challenging year, and really the last couple of years have been difficult for strawberry growers,” Stein said. “Plants were slow to establish, but they are coming on now, and we should have good supplies for the next two to four weeks.”

Texas strawberry growers optimistic despite challenges

One of the biggest complications this season occurred early during plant establishment. Some growers reported losing 10%-30% of transplanted strawberry plants, which Stein attributed largely to issues with the plants received rather than grower practices.

“The crown of the strawberry plant is extremely sensitive to drying out and cold,” he said. “If it’s compromised anywhere along the way, that plant just won’t take.”

Cooler winter temperatures and a freeze event in early March further delayed early production and fruit sets. However, plants have recovered well, and berry quality remains strong.

Growers in the Hill Country, North Texas and areas near Houston generally fared well overall, Stein said, while producers in South Texas experienced a slower ramp‑up. Recent dry conditions have also helped limit disease pressure, though rainfall remains a concern as harvest activity increases.

“Rain and hail are always the biggest threats this time of year,” Stein said. “Rain can interrupt harvest and create disease pressure, but so far most growers have avoided major weather damage.”

Modern production practices continue to limit disease issues. For example, most Texas strawberries are grown on plastic mulch with drip irrigation, which helps keep fruit clean and reduces rot, particularly in heavier soils.

Also, while spider mites appeared in some fields, he said most growers detected infestations early and addressed them before problems escalated.

Stein said cooler temperatures would help extend plant productivity. The ideal temperature for strawberry plants is 60-80 degrees.

“Once we consistently get above 85 degrees, production will drop,” he said. “If these cooler temperatures hang around a bit longer, that will help extend the season.”

Locally grown strawberries in high demand

Stein said market demand remains strong for locally grown strawberries. Growers sell through pick‑your‑own operations, farm stands, farmers markets and wholesale channels. Prices appear steady compared to last year, he said.

Texas strawberries are typically harvested fully ripe, contributing to superior flavor compared to berries shipped long distances. Stein emphasized that consistency and quality remain the hallmark of the state’s strawberry industry as the 2026 season continues.

“Local strawberries are a premium crop, and growers are selling everything they pick and getting the prices they’re asking,” Stein said. “Even with challenges, Texas strawberry quality continues to be outstanding.”

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

Panhandle

The district received some light, scattered showers, but most areas remained dry. Soil moisture levels were very short to short. Conditions have become increasingly drier, and declining soil moisture levels have placed growing small-grain crops under greater physiological stress. This makes small-grain plants more susceptible to diseases. Winter wheat, pasture and range conditions were very poor to poor.

South Plains

Sparse amounts of rain were reported around the district. Conditions remained dry, and rain was needed to provide suitable planting conditions. High winds dried out the soil quickly and presented fire danger to pasturelands. Growers were preparing fields for spring planting with tillage, herbicides, fertilizers and preplant irrigation. Some growers started planting sorghum. Some irrigated wheat raised for seed looked good. Pastures were starting to green up with the small amount of rain and warm temperatures. Livestock were in fair to good condition. Producers relied on supplemental feeding and what little wheat remained for forage to maintain livestock body conditions.

Rolling Plains

Recent rainfall improved soil moisture across the district, helped green up pastures, and boosted livestock producer morale. However, winter wheat prospects remained poor, with widespread damage from drought and frost leading to limited grain development, and many fields were grazed out or abandoned. While some areas received beneficial moisture, rainfall came too late to significantly improve wheat yields. Producers relied on wheat for grazing as forage quality declined with winter grasses maturing and losing nutritional value. Warm-season grasses were slow to emerge due to cooler soil temperatures, but additional rain and warmer conditions could improve growth in the coming weeks. Land preparation was underway for spring planting, with hay, cotton and sorghum producers waiting on favorable weather windows. Livestock conditions remained fair to good with ongoing supplementation, and marketing of calves continued steadily. Additional rainfall will be critical to sustain pasture recovery and support upcoming planting efforts.

East

Scattered rain fell across the district, giving a little relief from dry conditions to some areas, while others remained in drought. Overall, pasture and rangeland conditions were fair. Subsoil moisture levels were short to adequate, and topsoil levels were adequate. Some producers began cutting ryegrass and other cool-season crops for hay and silage. The warmer weather helped with the growth of warm-season forages. More moisture was needed to spur growth. Cattle markets were strong and solid. Livestock were in fair to good condition, with some supplementation taking place. Feral hog damage increased in fields, including loss of forage production. Fly populations were on the rise.

Far West

Crop and rangeland conditions remained generally stable across the district. Early seasonal growth was evident as crops continued to emerge and trees began to bloom. Growth was supported by rainfall and mild to warm temperatures that were less extreme than in previous weeks. Rainfall was widespread, with areas receiving between 0.4-2 inches. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were largely very short to short, although isolated locations reported adequate moisture. While recent moisture and moderate temperatures provided short-term benefits and supported early progress, persistent dryness, limited subsoil moisture and ongoing water constraints continued to present challenges. Field activity remained steady across the district, with continued preirrigation for cotton and other row crops. Winter wheat and oat conditions were generally fair, with significant progress in heading stages reported in several counties. Some early cotton planting occurred, and planting of sorghum and melons continued. Corn emerged and was in good condition, while much of the remaining wheat was baled for hay or prepared for seed harvest. Irrigation continued for pecan orchards and alfalfa fields, with some alfalfa already being cut and other fields receiving additional water. Pasture and rangeland conditions showed slight improvement following recent rainfall, with mesquite blooming and some new grass growth reducing the need for supplemental feeding for cattle in certain areas. Pasture and range conditions remained mostly poor to very poor, with limited forage availability. Livestock conditions ranged from poor to fair, with some areas maintaining good condition.

Central

Weather conditions were mixed across the district, with generally mild temperatures early in the week followed by increased wind and spotty rainfall. Recent rainfall made a tremendous difference in pastures and helped soil moisture. Pastures were starting to improve. Days and nights were cooler than they were in February, but warm enough to allow warm-season grasses to emerge and provide some grazing. Producers sprayed fields for weeds. Most small-grain forage was harvested or being harvested, and yields were down due to the drought and warm winter temperatures. Corn rebounded from the freezing temperatures and was growing. Early planted cotton was progressing. Fertilizer prices concerned growers. Producers reported heavy Hessian fly maggot infestations. In wheat, leaf rust continued to increase in incidence and severity, but the crop was far enough along to avoid significant yield losses. Early planted cotton had some thrips infestations, which were being treated. Livestock were in good to fair condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued, though at reduced levels compared to winter months. Calving activity was mostly complete, and producers reported healthy calves. The cattle market stayed strong, with prices remaining high.

Southeast

Some counties received significant precipitation ranging from 1-5 inches. Rainfall improved soil moisture levels, supported crop growth, and enhanced pasture and hayfield conditions. Despite these improvements, underlying drought conditions were not fully alleviated. The limited rainfall slowed some agricultural operations, particularly rice planting and forced some producers to rely on irrigation or pause fieldwork to prevent crop stress. Crop progress across the district remained steady overall. Corn planting was complete in most areas, and fields were emerging. Sorghum and soybean plantings were wrapping up, and many fields had emerged. Wheat and oat fields continued to progress, with most fields in fair to excellent condition. Rice planting was underway. Pastures were fair to good, benefiting from recent moisture, and still recovering in drier locations. Subsoil and topsoil moisture levels were very short to surplus, with most areas reporting short to adequate conditions. Livestock conditions were poor to excellent, with most areas reporting good body conditions.

Southwest

Cooler temperatures with scattered showers and thunderstorms were reported across the district, and rain remained in the forecast. High moisture levels saturated soils and helped forage green up. Drought conditions persisted in some areas. Further pine tree declines were reported. Corn and sorghum planting were complete, with some fields showing signs of drought stress. Oats neared maturity. Rangeland and pastures continued to improve. Livestock markets were high, and conditions remained good. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued with hay running short. Whitetail does were showing bellies as they approached fawning. Turkey toms were strutting and courting hens. Bees were very active as wildflowers bloomed. Hummingbird numbers were high for this time of year. The soil moisture should enhance warm-season perennial grasses as well as forbs for sheep, goats and wildlife.

Coastal Bend

Good rainfall was recorded across many counties, with amounts ranging from 0.5-2 inches and isolated reports up to 5 inches. Other parts of the district remained dry or only received light showers. The rain brought modest improvement to topsoil moisture, but subsoil levels still needed replenishment. Corn was in fair condition but beginning to show drought stress. Some fields failed to emerge while others showed poor root development following the recent freeze and windy conditions. Some corn acres were being replanted. Cotton and sorghum planting slowed as rain made fields too wet to work, but producers were pushing to finish planting before the April 15 deadline. Some early planted stands of corn and sorghum were uneven, and some oat and wheat fields completely failed. Pecans began to leaf out, and recent moisture improved conditions for cotton emergence. Range and pasture conditions remained concerning overall, as improvement from recent rains was slow. Grazing remained limited, and hay or supplemental feeding was needed for herd maintenance amid strained forage supplies.

South

Conditions were overcast and cloudy with scattered rain, ranging from trace amounts to 7 inches. Additional soil moisture was still needed in most areas. Temperatures ranged from the high 80s during the day to the upper 60s at night. The previous season of drought severely depleted the soil, leaving a very hard, almost hydrophobic surface that prevented fieldwork following rainfall. Some row crop farmers returned to the field and continued planting where possible as they neared planting deadlines. Wheat and oat crops continued to mature. Corn fields continued to develop under irrigation. While some cotton planting continued, other cotton and grain sorghum fields progressed well with the recent moisture. Strawberries were being harvested, but yields were lower than in previous years. Producers were preparing to control weeds when conditions dried. Citrus trees were blooming, and most set their fruit for the year. Producers were harvesting leafy greens. Field activity increased as farmers began to prepare for peanut and sesame planting. Hay fields remained under irrigation and were prepared for the next cutting. Rangelands showed a noticeable green-up and supported grazing activity. Livestock conditions were stabilizing as forage availability began to recover, though some producers continued supplemental feeding. Ranchers slowed down culling cows and selling calves after the rain, with hopes that the pastures and fields would green up. Some producers continued to haul water, as stock tank levels remained low. In the livestock market, cull cow and bull prices increased. Calf prices remained steady compared to the previous week.