By Clint Thompson Like pecans in other parts of the Southeast, Alabama’s crop is high on quality and quantity this season. Their market value remains low, however. That’s not what growers were hoping for with their first full crop following Hurricane Sally. Bryan Wilkins, Alabama Extension research associate, discussed the crop’s progress this year. “It was a little slow getting …
Pecan Prices Remain Low Across Southeast
Pecan prices remain low, forcing growers to hold large volumes this week, waiting to see if there will be prices to be considered for offers or deciding to keep them in storage, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pecan Report. Buyers for retail and the candy trade are purchasing as needed while waiting for more offerings and price agreements …
Delayed Shuck Split for Stuart Pecan Varieties
By Clint Thompson Stuart pecan varieties have a history of an interrupted and prolonged shuck split. This has been magnified under the current conditions that show a heavy crop load and dry soils. It is very similar to 2016, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, in his UGA Pecan Extension Blog. Wells said growers are concerned …
‘Miserable Prices’ for Southeast Pecans
By Clint Thompson What started as a promising marketing season for pecans has deteriorated rapidly. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, said Southeast producers are encountering “miserable prices.” It is discouraging news for a crop that is expected to produce high yields this year. “They’re miserable prices. Nobody’s got a really good answer as to why they’re coming …
Water Needs Continue for Some Pecan Varieties
By Clint Thompson Water requirements for pecans have not totally evaporated as harvest season continues across the Southeast. Growers should be mindful that some varieties need water to help shucks open up, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “Honestly, they probably could use a little (rain) to help these shucks go ahead and open up good. If …
Pecans’ International Future a Present Concern
By Clint Thompson The future of global trade in pecans is currently on the minds of pecan industry leaders. What will Mexico’s growing industry look like in a few years? Will the U.S. relationship with India improve so producers can better take advantage of its huge market? Those are questions that Samantha McLeod, executive director of the Georgia Pecan Growers …
Importance of Water for Pecan Growers Amid Current Dry Conditions
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian’s path around Georgia spared the state’s pecan producers from potentially devastating wind speeds. But it also failed to bring much needed moisture to a region desperately needing some rainfall. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, noted in the UGA Pecan Extension Blog that the current dry period could be detrimental to the …
Georgia Pecan Growers Association Executive Director: India Market Would be Game Changer
By Clint Thompson The U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) assurance of a “positive outcome” regarding international market access for Georgia’s pecan growers was an encouraging first step for Samantha McLeod. The executive director of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association discussed USTR’s Katharine Tai’s response to Senator Raphael Warnock’s bipartisan letter urging assistance to negotiate with the Indian government for lower tariff …
Insect Impact on Pecans? UGA Specialist Discusses Spray Concerns for Growers
By Clint Thompson It is nearing harvest season for most pecan varieties in the Southeast. Growers should not be concerned about spraying for insects at this point in the season, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “Something like Sumner (variety) that’s a little bit later harvested nut, probably one of the later varieties that we have and …
USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for ’22 Crop
ATHENS, GA – During the last week of September, pecan growers will receive a survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information generated from this survey will be used to forecast pecan production for 2022. “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in southern states and it is crucial for us …