The pecan crop in the Southeast remains ahead of its normal production schedule, though cooler temperatures in recent weeks have slowed the crop’s progress, says Andrew Sawyer, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension area pecan agent for Southeast District. “I think the cool (weather) has actually slowed us down a little bit,” Sawyer said. “The crop was already 10 (days) to …
Uncertainty Remains in Pecan Market
With some certainty, Georgia pecan producers are expecting a bumper crop this year. What remains uncertain is the market price farmers will receive at harvest. As growers are currently harvesting Pawnees with other varieties expected to be harvested next month, there is still an unpredictability regarding the pecan market, according to Phil Croft, manager of the Hudson Pecan Company. “Right …
Shuck Decline in Pecans
According to the UGA Extension Pecan Blog, shuck decline in pecans is starting to manifest itself in orchards across the state. Growers are starting to see symptoms of shuck decline in the orchard. Symptoms range from shucks turning all the way black to the tips, green shucks turning black and peeling back at the suture. In some cases, kernels are …
Sally’s Impact on Alabama, Georgia Pecan Production
Georgia pecan farmers escaped serious damage last week following Hurricane Sally’s trek through the Southeast. Alabama producers were not so lucky, however. University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells said Baldwin County, the heart of Alabama’s pecan production, was one of the counties hit hardest by Sally’s Category Two Hurricane status. According to the UGA Extension pecan blog, Wells …
USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for 2020
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 from this survey will be used to forecast pecan production for 2020. “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in southern states and it is crucial for us to …
Georgia Farmers to Begin Harvesting Pawnee Pecans Next Week
Some of Georgia’s pecan farmers will begin harvesting their crop during the week of Sept. 14, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. Wells estimates that the Pawnee pecan, which is typically the first variety harvested in Georgia every year, is on track to be picked sometime this week. “We’re usually harvesting Pawnee towards the end …
UGA to Begin New Pecan Variety Trials in Southeast Georgia
By Emily Cabrera for UGA CAES News University of Georgia faculty will begin a series of pecan trials this winter to help identify better management practices for growers. New pecan trees will be planted at the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center in Toombs County for research and demonstration purposes. Andrew Sawyer, southeast …
Uncertainty in the Pecan Market
One thing is certain about this year’s pecan crop in Alabama and Georgia – it is loaded. One thing that is not certain is what kind of price those pecans command at the market once they’re harvested this fall. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells said there are various factors that will impact prices for farmers this …
Recent Rains Beneficial for Pecan Crop
Recent rainfall is a sight for sore eyes for pecan farmers on the verge of harvesting this year’s crop, according to University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “We’ve had years where August and September we didn’t get a drop of rain. Even with the best irrigation the percent kernel didn’t fill out as good as you would expect,” …
Sweet Grown Alabama is a ‘One-Stop Shop’ for Consumers
More than 150 farmers are part of the Sweet Grown Alabama database. Director Ellie Watson believes the sweetgrownalabama website is an integral part of connecting the state’s producers with its consumers. “We have a pretty great representation across all counties and all areas of the state. Of course, we’re still looking to grow that database,” Watson said. “We know that …