EAST TEXAS — Many Texas peach growers are facing major crop losses in 2026 due to insufficient winter chill and a damaging spring freeze. According to Larry Stein, a professor and state extension horticulturist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the combination of low winter chill hours and an unexpected late freeze in March severely reduced peach production across the state.
"Peach trees need a certain amount of cold every winter after they go dormant in the fall in order to break bud and bloom normally in the spring," Stein said. "We were really low on chill, and then we had a late freeze in March that got colder than we anticipated. That really took a toll on the peach crop for 2026." He added that while peach farming remains economically viable over the long term, a year without a crop creates financial strain for growers. "The economics are still there over the long term," Stein said. "The challenge is going through that year when you don't have a crop."
Despite statewide losses, the Rushing family farm continues to welcome visitors to pick peaches this season. Sheilah and Craig Rushing operate the orchard, which began as a retirement project and now relies on help from family members. "This was my husband's endeavor," Sheilah Rushing said. "He decided he wanted to retire and plant a peach orchard. Since he has no other help besides me, his sister and our grandson, it depends on us to do all the work."
"We're spoiled to having things on demand," Craig Rushing said. "In cases like this year, it's not on demand. Nobody wants to have a crop any more than the farmer does." He added, "It's not the farmers' fault. They're frustrated too." The farm also sells blackberries, jams, jellies, and ice cream. "We're not looking for a handout," Rushing said. "Just support your local farmers and be patient with them."