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‘King Jubilee’ credits title to seed planted by mentor






Johnny Bush, a Stockdale native, has won the first-ever “King Jubilee” title during Stockdale’s 65th Watermelon Jubilee last month. To earn this honor, Johnny entered a Jubilee-variety watermelon, grown in Wilson County, that tipped the scales at a whopping 46.5 pounds. Johnny credits this honor to his mentor, Elgin Adcock.

Ironically, Ricky Adcock, Elgin’s son, took second place.

Johnny is among a handful of watermelon growers in the county, including Chico Lerma, Ron Hastings, Ricky Adcock, Richard Janek, and the Boening Dairy.

Sadly, Elgin is no longer among the growers, since he passed away in 2003. Johnny was instrumental in getting that year’s Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee rodeo dedicated to Elgin.

That year was also special for Johnny and his wife, Tiffany, since their daughter, Brittany, served as the city’s Watermelon Jubilee Princess.
Family farm

The road Johnny traveled to achieve this honor began when he was only 11 years old, as he learned farming practices under Elgin’s guidance.

Johnny graduated from Stockdale High School in 1978, and worked for eight years as a heavy-equipment operator prior to becoming a full-time truck producer. Johnny prefers to be called a watermelon grower.

In 1983, Johnny and Tiffany harvested their first watermelon and cantaloupe crop. The next year, Johnny started to work full time growing produce.

The couple joined the San Antonio Farmers Market in 1985. In 1987, they joined the farmers markets in San Marcos and New Braunfels, and were instrumental in establishing the Seguin Farmers Market.

Bush Farm consists of 40 acres of melons, tomatoes, squash, cantaloupes, and watermelons.

The farm is family-owned and –operated. Johnny and Tiffany’s children, Brittany and Terry, assist with transporting produce and farming, respectively. Johnny’s brother and sister, Jimmy Bush and Joyce Sekula, along with Joyce’s husband, Rick, and an uncle, John Barfield, all assist with running the operation — picking produce, selling at the stand, or transporting produce.

Johnny plans to continue as a local producer and takes pride in selling only the best produce, and is particular about how it is handled, he said. So he does as much himself as possible.

For farm-fresh produce, visit the family’s produce stand located at 502 S.H. 123 north of Stockdale.


COURTESY PHOTOJohnny Bush holds the “King Jubilee of all the Melons” trophy, while he displays the 46.5-pound Jubilee-variety melon that earned him the title of “King Jubilee” June 20.

COURTESY PHOTOJohnny Bush holds the “King Jubilee of all the Melons” trophy, while he displays the 46.5-pound Jubilee-variety melon that earned him the title of “King Jubilee” June 20.