By Clint Thompson
Georgia’s bearing pecan acres continues to increase, though its yield per acre dropped in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Georgia’s acreage has increased from 139,000 acres in 2021, to 146,000 acres in 2022 and 148,000 acres in 2023.
However, its yields per acre dropped from 898 pounds in 2022 to 730 pounds in 2023. Overall production decreased as well last year, dropping from 131 million pounds in 2022 to 108 million pounds last season.
The value of Georgia pecans also declined last year, dropping from $210.9 million in 2022 to $183.6 million last year, though price per pound improved from $1.61 in 2022 to $1.70 in 2023.
The overall bearing acreage across the U.S. dropped from 442,000 acres in 2022 to 436,000 in 2023. Yields per acres increased from 652 pounds in 2022 to 704 pounds in 2023.
U.S. production netted 306.7 million pounds in 2023, increasing from 266.1 million pounds in 2021 and 288.3 million pounds in 2022. Price per pound continues to decrease nationwide. Last year’s $1.68 price dropped from $1.80 in 2022 and $2.16 in 2021.