Georgia is the nation’s largest supplier of pecans, accounting for about a third of U.S. pecan production. Across the state, over 170,000 acres are planted with orchards ranging in size from a few trees to several thousand acres. An average pecan harvest in Georgia is about 88 million pounds – that’s enough to make about 176 million pecan pies!
UGA Extension provides both commercial and home pecan growers a variety of information to help have the best output with the least amount of labor possible. Along with the acreage expansions we’ve seen over the last few years comes an increased demand for pecan information in the SE region of Georgia.
In response to the demand for more boots on the ground to serve our growers, this May we welcomed Andrew Sawyer, our new SE District Area Pecan Agent, to the UGA Pecan Team. Andrew has hit the ground running and already has a few field trials lined up to address topics of interest to pecan growers in the area.
According to Andrew, this year’s crop is looking good and nuts are sizing fast now. This summer many growers noted scab not being as severe, which is mostly due to a very dry month of May; however, with more rain moving in, we are now seeing scab appear on susceptible varieties.
One of the ways Extension gets new information out to growers is through organized field days. During these events, Extension Specialists and Agents get together with growers and share information and resources. This year, the Southeast Georgia Pecan Field Day will be Wednesday, August 29th. The Field Day will be located at Parker Brothers Farm, at 334 Veal Camp Road, Baxley, GA 31513. Veal Camp Road is 5 miles northeast of Baxley off Ten Mile Road. Follow the signs!
It will start at 9 a.m., and end with a catered lunch. Whether you’re just getting started or have established orchards, there will be plenty to learn about. Potential topics include a pecan season update, irrigation: soil moisture sensors, zinc and copper applications, aphid control methods, and sprayer setup and calibration. Other topics may be added as needed.
Equipment viewing will begin at 8 a.m. and the field day will start at 9 a.m.. Lunch will be provided. We will adjourn after lunch. Private and commercial pesticide credits will be available.
For more information, please contact the Appling County Extension office at 912-367-8130. In order to plan for the meal, please let the Appling County office know by August 23 if you plan on attending.