By Clint Thompson A 200-million pound production season is in the near future for Georgia’s pecan producers. That’s a belief shared by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist Lenny Wells. It’s also a concern on the minds of growers in the Southeast. If the leading pecan-producing state expands that much in the next few years, due to more trees …
Do Pecan Producers Really Need Herbicide Strips?
By Clint Thompson Maintaining herbicide strips in pecan orchards is an essential management tactic for growers with young trees, says Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. It is not as dire, though, for producers with more mature trees. “In a mature orchard, the competition is not going to be as hard on the tree, but also if …
200-Million Pound Crop? Georgia Pecan Yields to Increase in Next Few Years
By Clint Thompson Georgia’s pecan production netted 125 million pounds this past season. That number could reach 200 million pounds in a few years, believes Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. “I think a 200-million pound crop out of Georgia is a strong likelihood over the next few years,” Wells said. Wells’ outlook on Georgia’s crop …
Plant Pecan Trees Early, Not Late
By Clint Thompson Pecan trees planted in March are at disadvantage when compared to those planted in January and February. Growers should abstain from trying to plant new trees during this time of year, believes Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. UGA research shows that trees trying to get established in early spring will struggle compared …
Early Budbreak Could be Devastating for Pecan Producers
By Clint Thompson Early budbreak for pecan trees in the Southeast could be a devastating development for producers. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension pecan specialist, highlighted the concerns growers have with buds breaking 2 to 3 weeks earlier than last year. “It could be good or bad, it just depends on what our weather does between now and …
Pecan Producers Prepare for Ambrosia Beetles
By Clint Thompson Pecan producers should be wary of the first flight of ambrosia beetles in orchards across the Southeast. That means growers with young trees are susceptible to attacks. Beetles live in wooded areas and respond to stress chemicals released from newly planted trees. Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist, believes trees are especially vulnerable following the …
India Cuts Tariffs on U.S. Pecan Exports by 70%
Washington, D.C. — The Republic of India announced a major 70% cut to tariffs on U.S. pecan exports. It is a win for Georgia’s producers. Sen. Jon Ossoff heard about the concerns during engagements last year with Georgia producers in Tift and Turner counties. At the farmers’ request, Ossoff has worked behind the scenes for months with U.S. trade negotiators and Indian government …
Additional Acres Help Georgia Pecan Farmers Produce ‘Good’ Crop
By Clint Thompson The pecan harvest season is mostly in the books for Georgia producers. While market prices did not cooperate for the growers, production was good, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Extension pecan specialist. He said additional acreage coming into production offset some of the missed projections by producers at the beginning of the season. “It wasn’t …
Georgia Pecan Production Meetings Scheduled
By Clint Thompson Georgia pecan producers can mark their calendars for the upcoming county production meetings scheduled over the next couple of months. The scheduled meetings include stops in Appling County (Jan. 31), Grady County (Feb. 1), Toombs, Treutlen and Montgomery counties (Feb. 7), Tattnall County (Feb. 13), Colquitt County (Feb. 16), Cook County (March 1), Irwin County (breakfast meeting …
Maintaining Pecan Irrigation Equipment in the Winter
Pecan harvest season is winding down across the Southeast. Growers in Alabama and Georgia will soon be winterizing their irrigation systems. Cale Cloud, University of Georgia Grady County Extension agent, offered various tips that growers should consider when maintaining their irrigation systems during the winter months. Power units should be sealed to protect against various wildlife and moisture. Exclusion barriers …