OKFB Foundation for Agriculture 2025 Watermelon Challenge sign-ups open through May 5

Second-grade teachers can now enroll their classrooms in a watermelon-growing contest through the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s fifth-annual Watermelon Challenge.

During the challenge, students will grow their very own watermelon from seeds provided by the foundation for a chance to win prizes. The challenge illustrates the hard work and effort Oklahoma farmers and ranchers undertake when growing and raising food.

Schools participating in the challenge will receive watermelon seed packets, an activity book and resources with lessons for each student in their classroom. After teachers work through the provided lessons, students and their families are encouraged to plant the watermelon seeds at home.

Watermelon seeds can be planted from late-April to mid-May, but the soil temperature must be 70 degrees for the seeds to germinate. To find soil temperatures in your area, visit the Oklahoma Mesonet system.

Oklahoma’s state vegetable requires a long growing season of 80 days. After students harvest the melon, they will need to submit a photo of themselves holding it to complete the challenge.

Teachers can sign up their second-grade classroom before May 5 through the online form available at okfb.news/MelonSignup25. The packets will be sent upon receiving registration information.

The OKFB Foundation for Agriculture will recognize three winners from among students who successfully grow watermelons each with a $100 prize. Photo submissions of students’ fully grown watermelon should be emailed to Holly Carroll in August to be considered for prizes.