Weather puts delay on when famous southern Colorado melon hits market

Wild weather is affecting the cantaloupe crop in Rocky Ford.

The Rocky Ford Growers Association said the recent storms have caused the group to lose about 30 percent of its prized crop.

This has caused people wanting the juicy melon to wait at least a week before it hits the market.

Farmer Michael Hirakata said he lost more than $350,000 worth of cantaloupes because of bad weather.

“You use to see the storms coming and kind of brace yourself. This year, they seem to be closer to our area and out of nowhere. It’s kind of nerve-wracking to see these storms come through once a week,” he said.

But it wasn’t all bad news for farmers in the area. Farmer Michael Hanagan said he’s fortunate, for now, that the hailstorms passed by his cantaloupe crop.

The association said you can expect to see the first cantaloupes on the market by July 23.