By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Editor

For decades, he has dedicated his life to the Texas citrus industry. Last week, former Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) State Director Dale Murden was honored with the industry’s highest honor–the title of King Citrus.

Murden received his crown, scepter and cloak Thursday at the 80th annual Texas Citrus Fiesta in Mission.

The following day, he reigned over the Mission Citrus Parade, thanking the nominating committee, which is comprised of past kings, for the honor.

“I’m honored and humbled,” Murden said. “Being chosen by my mentors is a real honor.”

Murden’s career in the citrus industry began in 1980 after he graduated from high school. He started out as a citrus pest scout and never looked back.
In 2014, after 25 years with Rio Farms in Monte Alto, Murden was named president of Texas Citrus Mutual, a grower association that represents the Texas citrus industry.

Over the years, Murden has served in agriculture in many other ways.

From December 2009 to December 2015, he helped steer TFB as a member of its board of directors.

He has chaired the boards of the Delta Lake Irrigation District, Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, National Sorghum Producers, the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Texas Sorghum Producers and Lower Rio Grande Valley Cotton and Grain.

He’s also served on the boards of Texas Citrus Mutual, Valley Ag Insurance, Texas Valley Citrus Committee, Edinburg Citrus Association, Texas Citrus Exchange, Texas Citrus Producers Board, Rio Grande Valley Grove Managers, the Citrus Foundation and the Texas A&M Kingsville Citrus Center Advisory Committee.

He is currently a member of the United States Department of Agriculture Trade Advisory Committee for fruits and vegetables.

Murden, a third generation native of the Rio Grande Valley, is also the first executive director of the newly-formed Texas Citrus Pest and Disease Management Corporation.

Murden, his wife Cyndie Haden, and his family own and operate a grapefruit orchard for the fresh fruit market.