Reality Setting In: Pecan Crop Much Shorter Than Expected

Web AdminAgriculture Research, Georgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan growers must realize this year’s crop might not be all it was cracked up to be heading into the season. Even after Hurricane Idalia impacted acreage in Southeast Georgia, growers were hopeful to still produce a bountiful harvest this season. Most believed the crop was later than expected, but that is not the case this …

GFVGA Optimistic New Farm Bill to be in Place Sooner Rather than Later

Web AdminFarm Bill, Georgia

By Clint Thompson The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) remains optimistic that a new farm bill will be in place sooner rather than later. Even amid the delays with the election of a new Speaker of the House, Chris Butts, executive vice president of the GFVGA believes Mike Johnson’s election as the new speaker will help expedite the …

georgia pecan

Pecan Prices Remain Low

Web AdminGeorgia, Pecan, USDA

Georgia pecan producers will remain frustrated at the current market prices being offered for this year’s crop. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, a few Desirable varieties, with a nut count of 45 to 46 and 53% meat yield, sold for about $1.85 per pound. Elliotts, with a nut count of 71 to 74 and 50% …

developing

Chilling Effect: Rapid Temperature Drop’s Impact on Peach Trees

Web AdminGeorgia, Peaches, Weather

By Clint Thompson The lack of acclimation period between warm and extreme cold temperatures could detrimentally impact peach trees in the Southeast. Instead of temperatures gradually dropping over a period of time, they can drop rapidly over a period of just a couple of days. Last week was a perfect example. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Weather Network, …

Savelle

UGA to Hire Citrus Researchers Next Year

Web AdminCitrus, Georgia

Georgia citrus growers will soon have research support from the University of Georgia (UGA), says Lindy Savelle, president of the Georgia Citrus Association and member of the Georgia Citrus Commission. She confirmed the news at the recent Cold Hardy Citrus Field Day at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy. …

georgia pecan

Quality, Quantity ‘Off’ with Georgia’s Pecan Crop

Web AdminGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson The quality and quantity of Georgia’s pecan crop is “off” compared to previous years, according to one industry expert. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, attributes some of the quality issues to the percent kernel being lower compared to previous years. “We’re actually seeing all over the state, even when the kernel looks good, we’re …

Let the Plantings Begin: Vidalia Onion Growers Benefit from Lack of Tropical System

Web AdminGeorgia, Onion, Vidalia Onions

By Clint Thompson Georgia Vidalia onion producers dodged Hurricane Idalia went it passed through the Southeast on Aug. 30. That, so far, has turned out to be the area’s only threat of a tropical system this fall. It has been a positive development for growers who are on the verge of transplanting this year’s crop, says Chris Tyson, University of …

Hurricane Michael: Five Years Later

Web AdminGeorgia, Weather

By Clint Thompson Five years ago, Hurricane Michael devastated the Southeast and altered the agricultural landscape, especially in Georgia. Five years later, specialty crop producers are still coping with the devastation left by the Category 5 storm. “I think one of the untold stories about Hurricane Michael is how much it affected agriculture; the total amount of dollar damage from …

Pawnee Pecan Productive for Producers

Web AdminGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson One of the top emerging pecan varieties provides producers with an early-season option that has desirable size and percent kernel. Pawnees are one of the first varieties to be harvested every year and possess traits that make them highly desirable, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “The quality is usually pretty good,” Wells …