By Clint Thompson
Alabama pecan producers are feeling optimistic about the crop for the first time in four years.
Not since 2020 have the state’s pecan farmers felt this good about its crop heading into harvest season, according to Bryan Wilkins, Auburn University research associate.
“It was a decent June drop, but it just really thinned them out like they needed to be. I’ve talked to one or two people that don’t have a lot but most everybody I’ve talked to is optimistic,” said Wilkins.
Hurricane Sally
Growers were optimistic in 2020 before Hurricane Sally moved through the region and devastated pecan orchards. Hurricane Sally impacted the state’s pecan crop significantly in Baldwin and Mobile counties when it moved through the area on Sept. 16, 2020. Trees tumbled over. Leaves were stripped off of those that stayed upright. It created an alternate bearing cycle that was worse than normal.
“When Sally hit, we had the biggest crop we’ve had in 10 years. The trees were already stressed, and then Sally just beat them all up and knocked them around, messed with the root systems on some. It’s taken about four years to get it back like it should be or close,” Wilkins said. “Right now, everybody I’ve talked to is looking good. We had a little issue with rain here and there, with some spots getting more rain than others, getting a little more scab pressure in some. All in all, everybody is pretty happy right now.”
The producers in Alabama are now holding out hope of avoiding another devastating hurricane. Wilkins said they won’t be out of the woods for another couple of months.
“The (hurricanes) that have always hurt us have been late in the year. Frederic was late in the year; Sally, Ivan. The ones that have really knocked us for a loop have always been around September,” Wilkins said. “Right now, we’re just keeping our fingers crossed. You know how it is, the Gulf doesn’t heat up until about August or September. That’s when that activity starts. We’re just watching for that now.
“Everybody’s optimistic, looking for a good year. If everything goes right, we’re going to have a real good year over here.”