By Clint Thompson A couple of months have gone by since peach season concluded in Georgia. It is still difficult for farmer Drew Echols not to think about what might have been with his crop. “Hardly a day goes by that me and my dad or me and Lee Dickey or somebody doesn’t talk about, ‘What if?’ Yesterday me and …
Pumpkin Popularity: North Georgia Farmer Reflects on Fall Crop
By Clint Thompson An increase in pumpkin acreage has netted Drew Echols income he hadn’t largely counted on prior to 2020. But as demand for the fall-based crop has increased in recent years, so has Echols’ acreage. He produced about 50 acres in 2020, 120 in ’21, 150 in ’22 and has peaked at 175 this season. “I don’t know …
Georgia Pumpkin Grower: High Quality, Low Quantity
By Clint Thompson Pumpkin season is in full swing, and the quality of this year’s crop is unlike any one grower has ever had. Unfortunately, the quantity is also down this year, according to Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms and president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA). “Quality is phenomenal. It’s some of the best quality …
Pumpkin Plantings Under Way Across North Georgia
By Clint Thompson Pumpkin plantings have begun in North Georgia. One farmer is hopeful for another successful season that can maybe take some of the sting out of a disappointing peach year. Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in north Georgia, provided his outlook for the upcoming season which started with last week’s initial plantings. “Pumpkins are one of those …
Potential Diesel Shortage: ‘What’s Next?’
By Clint Thompson Diesel prices spiked to an all-time high this week. A potential shortage could soon spike fears among specialty crop producers who utilize diesel every day. Some farmers are flabbergasted by the prospect of not having enough diesel to operate normal day-to-day operations on the farm. Drew Echols, owner of Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, and president of …