Georgia’s Predicted Pecan Yields: Who Knows?

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Georgia’s pecan yields for this season are almost impossible to predict. Between increased plantings over the past decade and hurricane damage sustained from Helene this year, there is no good way to estimate this year’s crop, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. “We know what the acreage is, but it’s hard to predict …

Export Markets Essential for Pecan Producers Amid Era of Low Prices

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson The current deflated pecan market prices emphasizes the need for additional export markets for Georgia and Alabama producers. Growers are relying on regional and national pecan organizations to open up pathways for the Southeast pecan crop to find an international home, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist. “It certainly creates even more of …

To Sell or Store: Pecan Producers Face Dilemma

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson To sell or not to sell. That is the current predicament facing pecan producers in Georgia and Alabama. With prices devastatingly low for growers, despite increased demand and diminished supply, farmers are facing a dilemma of whether to sell their crop right away or store it until the market improves. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension …

Pecan Prices Are Historically Low: Why?

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Pecan prices are historically low across the country. Growers are losing money if they sell their crop at the current marketed price. “I heard (Monday) from a grower that was offered $1.50 for Desirables. You’re losing money big time at a $1.50 on Desirables,” said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. Wells may have an …

Pecan Trees Need Irrigation for Shuck Split

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson The lingering dry period following Hurricane Helene is impacting pecan production across the Southeast. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, noted in the UGA Extension Pecan Blog that trees need sufficient soil moisture so shuck split can happen properly. “The crop load that was there is going to create a significant demand for water. Most …

Worse Than Michael: Hurricane Helene Devastates Georgia Pecan Industry

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson It is hard to fathom Georgia’s pecan crop sustaining worse hurricane damage than what it sustained from Hurricane Michael in 2018. But that may have been the case following Hurricane Helene last week. While a complete evaluation may not be available for some time due to power outages that remain throughout the state, a preliminary assessment shows …

Scab No Longer Threat to This Year’s Pecan Crop

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson This year’s pecan crop in the Southeast is not in any danger from pecan scab disease any more this season. That’s a huge relief for Georgia and Alabama growers on the cusp of harvest season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed the disease and why it should not impact what remains in this year’s …

Increased Rain Helps Region’s Pecan Crop

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall in recent weeks not only provided much needed relief from the prolonged drought across the Southeast, it boosted the region’s pecan crop, just weeks before the start of harvest season. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, discussed how additional moisture has impacted the region’s pecan trees. “We had been terribly hot and dry …

Dry Weather’s Impact on Alabama Pecans

Clint ThompsonAlabama, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Any rainfall at this point in the production season will benefit Alabama pecan farmers, especially considering the prolonged dry period in August. That’s why the potential rain amid Hurricane Francine’s trek northward last Thursday had Bran Futral, Alabama Pecan Growers Association president, excited. “I would tell you probably, this summer, we’ve got irrigation, and early in the …

Insect Management Update for Pecan Producers

Clint ThompsonGeorgia, Pecan

By Clint Thompson Southeast pecan producers are on the cusp of harvesting this year’s crop. Growers should stay vigilant with their insecticide sprays, especially in areas that have been void of the rainfall in recent days. Apurba Barman, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan entomologist, discussed pest management and what insects that producers should currently be mindful of. “Right now, …