By Clint Thompson A point of emphasis over the past couple of years with Southeast pecan production is doing more with less. It starts with scab resistant varieties, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “That’s been the theme the last year or two in a lot of our presentations, shifting to more resistant varieties that we …
High Pecan Prices so Far for Southeast Producers
By Clint Thompson Early returns on this year’s pecan crop show high prices for Pawnee varieties, says University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. “I’ve been hearing anywhere from $2.50 to $2.65 in that range for Pawnee, which is good,” Wells said. Pawnee pecans are usually the first variety to be ready for harvest every season, usually about …
Will Pecans Be Ready for Chinese New Year?
By Clint Thompson A delay in pecan production this year could have a ripple effect that costs growers the opportunity to take advantage of the exports market to China. There is renewed optimism from Southeast producers about this year’s harvest season. It stems largely from the fact that China has increased its interest in purchasing U.S. pecans. However, supply may …
All Things Considering: Georgia Pecan Crop Good Amid High Scab Disease Pressure
By Clint Thompson The earliest pecan varieties are a couple of weeks away from harvest. As Georgia growers and industry leaders take stock of this year’s crop, fortunately, it is not as bad as it could have been, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “It’s certainly worse than we’d like it to be. Really, considering all …
USDA NASS to Issue Pecan Survey
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will soon be sending pecan producers a survey to forecast pecan production for the upcoming season. Growers will have the option to respond to the survey online. Producers who have not responded by Sept. 29 will be contacted for a telephone interview by a NASS representative. Survey results will be published on Oct. …
Lingering Impact: Pecan Production in Two Alabama Counties Remains Low Following Hurricanes Sally and Zeta
By Clint Thompson The impact from a pair of devastating hurricanes that wiped out pecan production in two Alabama counties last year is still being felt today. Bryan Wilkins, Alabama Extension Research Associate, discusses what percentage of this year’s pecan crop should be expected in Baldwin and Mobile counties. “Baldwin and Mobile counties are pretty slack. Sally hit a year …
Georgia Pecan Producer: Spray Like We’re Going to Have Terrible Scab Every Year
By Clint Thompson It was better safe than sorry for one Georgia pecan producer. In a year filled with wet weather, scab disease has been a major problem for pecan farmers. But Eric Cohen was prepared and is expected to reap the fruits of his labor during harvest season. “I’ve been real fortunate. I’ve been on an intensive spray program,” …
Pecan Producers Optimistic with Potential for Price Increase
By Clint Thompson Pecan harvest season is upon us here in the Southeast. While projections are that this year’s crop will be substantially less than last year’s, growers are optimistic, especially with the potential for increased prices, said Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. “Those that have a crop, which is mostly growers with young trees, and we’ve …
Pecan Development Lagging This Year
By Clint Thompson The pecan crop in the Southeast is a little behind in its development this year. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist, explains why. “It’s because of the spring that we had. We had a cold winter. Usually when you have a cold winter you have an early bud break or it doesn’t take as …
Stink Bug and Weevil Management in Pecans
Pecan producers need to start managing stink bugs and weevils in this year’s crop. This is especially important for the crop as its shell hardens. Prior to shell hardening, the pests will knock nuts off the trees or lay eggs. But after shell hardening, these pests will damage the nuts that growers won’t see until harvest, according to University of …