Bratcher Proves Himself with Prize Melons

First time watermelon grower, Casen Bratcher, decided he might just grow watermelons again next year. Casen, a freshman at Rush Springs High School, experienced a phenomenal year raising his first crop of watermelons and his season could not have ended better.  

Casen exhibited the Grand Champion watermelon, a Black Diamond.  He also turned in the largest watermelon this year at 116 pounds.

Casen had lots of help from his family, mostly his dad Garrin. Garrin said he hasn’t raised any melons in quite some time, but was ready to go when Casen said he wanted to try his hand.

Casen also exhibited the 1st place group of 3 All Sweet types and 1st place group of 3 Jubilees.

Ashton Pittman won Reserve Grand Champion with a single Black Diamond, as well as 1st place Group of 3 Black Diamonds and 1st place Group of 3 Orange Meat Types. Mike Miller won 1st place Group of 3 Seedless Types.

The top melons were sold at auction with 60% going back to the grower.  

The largest melon was purchased by Victory Fellowship for $575, the Grand Champion purchased by the combination of Joe Jones, Apache Farmers Co-op and Robert Foster for $1,400, the Reserve Grand Champion was purchased for $1,025 and the top Group of 3 Orange Meat Types for $525 by BancFirst of Marlow. First National Bank of Rush Springs purchased the top Group of 3 Black Diamonds for $500, top Group of 3 All Sweet Types for $550 and the top Group of 3 Seedless Types for $325.  

Community Bank of Texas purchase the top Group of 3 Jubilees for $525.

Thank you to our growers and buyers for another great year.