Celebrating National Watermelon Day and San Joaquin County’s Watermelon Growers
August 3 marked National Watermelon Day, a chance to recognize the California farmers, farmworkers, and agricultural communities, including our neighbors here in San Joaquin County, whose hard work brings one of summer’s most refreshing fruits to our tables.
California remains a major watermelon producer, harvesting 514 million pounds in 2025. From planting and irrigating fields to harvesting, packing, and shipping, every watermelon reflects the dedication of thousands of people working together throughout the growing season.
Watermelons are grown in communities across the state, and San Joaquin County stands out among California’s leading watermelon-producing counties. According to the 2022 California County Agricultural Commissioners’ Report and the 2022 Census of Agriculture, the top counties based on acres harvested and gross production value include:
- San Joaquin
- Kern
- Yolo
- Colusa
- Sutter
- Fresno
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
Watermelon is roughly 92 percent water, a fitting reminder of the connection between reliable water supplies and thriving local agriculture. The District is proud to do its part in managing the surface water and groundwater resources that help make harvests like these possible in eastern San Joaquin County.
However you enjoy it — sliced at a barbecue, blended into a cool drink, or fresh from the rind — watermelon is a delicious taste of California agriculture at the height of summer. Happy National Watermelon Day to our growers and to everyone across the supply chain who helps bring this iconic fruit from field to table!
Source: “Celebrating National Watermelon Day and California’s Watermelon Growers,” CDFA Planting Seeds Blog (August 3, 2026), with data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
