By Clint Thompson Pecan production in Georgia was half of what it was the year before but still more than most predicted. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells discusses the total for the 2021 crop. “From the assessments that have come in, I’m hearing 70 million to 75 million pounds, which is a good bit more than …
Pecan Producers: Monitor for ‘Active’ Ambrosia Beetles
By Clint Thompson Southeast pecan producers need to protect their crop against ambrosia beetles, which are active right now. According to the University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan blog, growers who have had problems with the pest in the past or who have newly planted trees need to apply sprays of a pyrethroid like Bifenthrin. “Due to the number of …
Why Not Do It? Hedging Pecan Trees Provides Multiple Advantages
By Clint Thompson There are so many advantages to growers hedging their pecan trees, there is no reason not to do it. That is the mindset shared by Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. He continues to implore Southeast pecan producers to hedge their trees this offseason. “You minimize the alternate bearing. You get better quality and get …
Pecan Nutrient Management: Cut Costs, Not Corners
By Clint Thompson Nutrient management is a way pecan producers can decrease their input costs heading into the 2022 harvest season, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. It starts with soil samples, which can be done any time of the year. But Wells stresses that growers do it at the same time every year. “If you take …
Alabama Pecan Producers Remain Optimistic
By Clint Thompson Alabama pecan producers are optimistic about next year’s potential crop. But they are also keeping an eye on rising input expenses and the impact fertilizer costs will have on the bottom line. That’s the message being conveyed to Bryan Wilkins, Alabama Extension Research Associate. “They’re farmers, so they’re always optimistic, but they’re keeping an eye on things …
Improved Pecan Production Expected in 2022
By Clint Thompson A decreased crop combined with high prices highlighted this year’s pecan season in the Southeast. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, believes production will rebound next year. Unfortunately, prices are expected to drop again just like 2020. “I’m a little concerned we’re going to see issues that, if it’s a huge crop throughout …
UGA Extension Pecan Production Meeting Sites Announced
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension has announced upcoming pecan production meeting sites for January through March. All meetings are slated to be lunch meetings unless noted otherwise. Here is a list of the scheduled meetings: Jan. 27, Cook County; Feb. 1, Laurens County; Feb. 3, Grady County; Feb. 8, Appling County; Feb. 15, Peach County; Feb. 16, Pierce County/Ware County; …
Diminished Pecan Crop in Southeast Alabama
By Clint Thompson Southeast Alabama may be a small sample size of pecan production in the state, but its lower-than-normal crop epitomizes what growers are feeling statewide – the crop was diminished substantially this season. “It was a tough year,” said Neil Kelly, Alabama Regional Extension agent in Southeast Alabama. “Overall production is going to be real light. It’s also …
Georgia Pecan Estimate: Diminished Crop Compared to 2020
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s final pecan total this season is estimated to be less than half of its total in 2020. While that’s not a surprise to growers and industry leaders, it’s still a tough pill to swallow following last year’s 142 million pounds of production. “I don’t think it’s going to be much over 50 million pounds, if that,” …
Pecan Prices Stay High for Growers
Pecan prices remain high this week for top quality and export quality pecans, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service. As supply continues to dwindle in the latter part of the season in Georgia, producers likely headed back out to their orchards Wednesday and Thursday following inclement weather the early part of the week. Prices paid to …