Title: Peak Watermelon Season Is Here | North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Headings: Peak Watermelon Season Is Here
Peak Watermelon Season Is Here
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Content: In terms of production, watermelon is one of the three top crops produced in the United States, along with onions and head lettuce. Over 113,000 acres of watermelons were grown in the United States in 2017, producing 20 million pounds. All but about 24% of domestic consumption of watermelons comes from United States growers; the rest comes primarily from Mexico or Central American countries. China, however, is the leading producers of melons. North Carolina ranks 8 th in the United States for watermelon production (2018). Wayne County is one of the top watermelon producing counties in North Carolina. Over 6,500 acres of watermelons were grown in North Carolina in 2017 with a value of close to $21,000. Watermelons are grown for the fresh market. Large-scale producers (usually more than 20 acres) generally use brokers who provide the marketing services to the producers.