U.S. Congress Passes Farm-Bill Extension Included in Short-Term Government Funding Bill
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate voted this week to approve a short-term funding bill, avoiding a November 17 government shutdown. The funding legislation, which was proposed by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA), funds the government by setting up two deadlines. The first Jan. 19 deadline covers...
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USDA to Provide More Than $3 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2022 Natural Disasters
WASHINGTON—The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022. The program will help offset the financial impacts of crop yield and value losses...
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NMSDC Acres Program Announces Partnership with the Southern University Ag Center
NEW YORK – The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (Southern University Ag Center) are partnering to enhance NMSDC’s Acres: Cultivating Equity in Black Agriculture program. As part of the partnership, the Southern University Ag Center will provide instructors and course material for the Acres 12-week...
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USDA Proposes Revising Pecan Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Grades of Pecans in the Shell and the U.S. Standards for Grades of Shelled Pecans to reflect current industry descriptions and practices. The proposed changes would replace the current grades with U.S. Extra Fancy, U.S. Fancy, U.S....
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USDA Announces Appointments to the American Pecan Promotion Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the appointment of seven members to serve on the American Pecan Promotion Board. Six appointees will serve three-year terms, effective Oct. 1, 2023, through Sep. 30, 2026. One appointee will serve the remainder of a vacant position, effective immediately, and expires on Sep. 30, 2024. Appointed members serving three-year...
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USDA to host virtual Data Users’ Meeting to gather public input on statistical programs
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will hold its biannual Data Users’ Meeting virtually via Zoom for Government Oct. 17 and 18 from noon to 3 p.m. EDT. The Data Users’ Meeting is held to share recent and pending statistical program changes with the public and to solicit input on these...
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American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board Together Announce New CEO
Fort Worth, TX—The pecan industry welcomes a new but seasoned leader to grow pecan demand at home and abroad. Anne Warden has been named the CEO of both the American Pecan Council and the American Pecan Promotion Board, signaling another important step these organizations are taking to deepen the industry’s unity and further expand the...
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Ahead of Farm Bill, Alabama Senator Introduces Bill to Add Pecans to Senior Nutritional Program
WASHINGTON—As Congress prepares to pass the next five-year Farm Bill, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) today introduced the Farmers’ Market Expansion Act, a bill that would make pecans and other tree nuts eligible for the USDA’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). “I just spent the month of August with Alabama’s farmers to get ready...
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Biden-Harris Administration Invests $266 Million to Help Rural Business Owners, Farmers and Ranchers Lower Energy Costs, Generate Income, and Expand Operations, as Part of Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is awarding $266 million in loans and grants to agriculture producers and rural small businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will lower their energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operation....
Growing Snack Category Offers Opportunities for Pecans
Americans love to snack. But during the pandemic, snacking surged even more as people turned to food to help ease stress, boredom, and depression. According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Food and Health Survey, snacking jumped 15% from 2021 to 2022. Today, snacking isn’t slowing down. The trend continues to remain high, except...
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El Pecán Argentino—Cada Vez Más Cerca de Entrar a China
La delegación china, integrada por tres técnicos de la GACC, llevó adelante una agenda intensa que comenzó el 11 de julio con la reunión de apertura en Senasa, en la cual presentaron por Zoom a las empresas argentinas su sistema CIFER para el registro ante el GACC de las plantas elaboradoras de alimentos. Al día...
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Bio Huma Netics® Marks 50th Anniversary with New Name: Huma®
GILBERT, Ariz.—Bio Huma Netics announced today it is ringing in its 50th anniversary by officially renaming itself Huma, Inc. The name “Huma” is inspired by the word “humus”: the highly fertile, organic layer of topsoil that brings life to the soil and our planet. Huma seeks to deliver “Humic Solutions with a Human Touch.” Founded in...
Read moreUSDA Previews Emergency Relief Assistance for Agricultural Producers Who Incurred Losses Due to 2022 Natural Disaster Events
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2023—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today plans to roll out $3.7 billion in Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) assistance to crop and livestock producers who sustained losses due to a qualifying natural disaster event in calendar year 2022. USDA is sharing early information to allow producers time to...
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Unleashing Pecans’ Potential With Diabetes Health Professionals
Over the past year and a half, the American Pecan Council (APC) has been working to elevate awareness of pecans amongst diabetes healthcare professionals—and the efforts are paying off! Pecans’ nutrient composition makes them a smart snack choice for those managing blood sugar levels, and the APC’s recent surveys show that the essential nutrients in...
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Updates on Pecan Marketing and Outreach Around the World
As we move into another quarter, the American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board share updates on recent marketing and outreach activities. American Pecan Council visits Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Germany APC attended Fruit Logistica, one of the European Union’s largest food shows and held in Germany in the winter and Southeast Asia in...
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The Pecan: Arkansas’s Food of the Year
In 2016, the Division of Arkansas Heritage (DAH), a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, launched the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, a program created to serve the story of the state’s unique foods, legendary restaurants, remarkable cooks, influential food entrepreneurs, and culturally significant festivals and events. The program has grown...
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NPF Spurs Funding Success for Pecan Research Efforts
Within the last four years, industry efforts led by the National Pecan Federation have obtained an additional $17 million in funding for the USDA-ARS pecan program and stations in Byron, Georgia; Brownwood, Texas; and Somerville, Texas. These industry efforts to obtain additional funding for the USDA-ARS pecan program have allowed for expanded research to benefit...
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India Proposes 70% Tariff Reduction on U.S. Pecan Imports
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The India Ministry of Finance has released its proposed 2023 Union Budget and updates to customs duties. Included is a 70% reduction in the import tariff for pecans, from 100% to 30%. This is a significant positive change for the pecan industry that opens the U.S. pecan export market to India. According to recent...
Read moreUSDA Seeks Nominees for American Pecan Promotion Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominees for the American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB). Nominees are needed to fill six seats for members whose terms end on Sep. 30, 2023, and one vacant seat with a term that ends on Sep. 30, 2024. The American Pecan Promotion Board seeks nominees for the following...
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APPB Shares Q1 Marketing Campaign Recap
Pecans started marketing strong during the holiday season. In the December 2022 article, the American Pecan Promotion Board updated Pecan South readers on the upcoming campaigns taking place throughout the holiday season. Below are the results from those marketing campaigns carried out for pecans during the first quarter of the pecan industry’s current fiscal year,...
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2022 Census of Agriculture due next week Feb. 6
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reminds our nation’s farmers and ranchers that the deadline to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture is Feb. 6. Producers can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. Last month, NASS mailed the Census of Agriculture questionnaires to every known ag producer in the...
Read moreUSTR Tai Discusses Pecan Trade Issues at Ag Roundtable
National Pecan Federation (NPF) Executive Board Member Marianne Brown recently attended a roundtable discussion with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai and U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA). Also attending was newly sworn-in USTR AG Ambassador Doug McKalip. At the event, Georgia commodity leaders were given the opportunity to voice their concerns and priorities as...
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U.S. Congress Includes NPF Supported Pecan Research Projects in Omnibus Appropriations Bill
The U.S. Congress has passed the $1.7 trillion fiscal year 2023 omnibus appropriations bill. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 consists of all 12 FY23 appropriation bills, including the $25.5 billion Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill. The bill includes the following pecan research projects supported by the National...
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APPB Nominations Are Open
Submit your nominations for the American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB) now! Please reach out to the Board office at industry@eatpecans.com or call (817) 985-3034 if you would like to receive a nomination form. All nominations must be received or postmarked by Jan. 31, 2023. The following APPB seats are open for nominations: Western Region Seats...
Read moreNFWF’s Conservation Partners Program Announces $2.9 Million in New Grants
Washington, D.C.—The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced nearly $2.9 million in new grants to help agricultural producers implement voluntary conservation practices on farms and ranches across 20 states. Awarded under NFWF’s Conservation Partners Program, the grants will leverage $3 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of nearly $5.9 million....
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Hear No Weevil, See No Weevil
Native to Texas, the pecan weevil is a pesky pest that can do quite a lot of damage to crops grown by pecan producers. All but five counties in the state of Texas are considered free of pecan weevil; the rest of the state falls under the Pecan Weevil Quarantine. With the concentration of the...
Read moreAround the industry: NPSA, Arizona Pecan Growers meetings
NPSA 2022 Annual Meeting The National Pecan Shellers Association hosted its Annual Meeting on Sept. 12-13 in Washington, D.C. at the Washington Marriott at Metro Center. Association members gathered on the first day for the annual Shellers Forum and Pecan Export Trade Council (PETC). On the second day of the meeting, attendees and vendors gathered...
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Three Genetics Tools to Improve Pecan Breeding
I’m sure many of you have had the experience of asking a scientist a question, only to feel like you’ve been smacked in the head with a dictionary! Scientists like myself often have a hard time separating themselves from the descriptive language we use with other scientists. Unfortunately, this communication failure often has the side...
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Texas Pecan Board Schedules Election for 3 At-Large Members
Bryan, Texas—The Texas Pecan Board will hold elections Oct. 28, 2022, to elect three board members in adherence to Chapter 41 of the Texas Agriculture Code. The Board was established in 1998 after pecan growers throughout Texas voted into effect a pecan assessment of $0.005 per pound to provide funds for promotion, education, and research....
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USDA to Issue First Pecan Forecast for 2022 Crop
ATHENS, GA – During the last week of September, pecan growers will receive a survey from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Information from this survey will be used to forecast pecan production for 2022. “The pecan industry is an important part of U.S. agriculture, especially in southern states, and it...
Read more“Protecting Agriculture’s Future” theme for 2022 National Farm Safety and Health Week
Agriculture is known as one of the most dangerous industries in America. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), about 100 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time injury every day, and in 2019 the agriculture industry had a fatality rate of 19.4 deaths per 100,000 workers. National Farm Safety and Health Week...
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Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture Hosts First Research Workshop
On Aug. 1 and 2, the Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, IHA, held its first workshop to engage stakeholders from the food-agriculture value chain. The workshop enabled production agriculture groups to further understand priorities, gaps, and opportunities in precision nutrition, responsive agriculture, and social and behavioral research. Bringing together more than...
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APPB, APC Meet and Prepare for Upcoming Fiscal Year
The American Pecan Council and the American Pecan Promotion Board held general meetings on July 27 in Dallas, Texas, at the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center. With the next fiscal year on the horizon, both meetings focused extensively on the upcoming budget and general housekeeping. The day started with the American Pecan Promotion Board...
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New Mexico Department of Ag hosts public hearings regarding pecan weevil quarantine on Aug. 26, Aug. 29, Sept. 9
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico—The New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) will hold three public hearings—including one virtual option—to receive public input on proposals to repeal and replace 21.17.28 New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), Pecan Weevil Exterior Quarantine and amend 21.17.36 NMAC, Pecan Weevil Interior Quarantine. The proposed repeal and replacement of the Exterior Quarantine primarily...
Read moreAgricultural Export Programs Offer Excellent Returns, Deserve Continued Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports welcomes the results of a recent econometric study indicating that public-private U.S. agricultural export market development programs remain highly effective and generate a substantial return on investment. In letters sent April 27, 2022, members of the Coalition and additional organizations asked U.S. House and Senate agricultural appropriations...
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USDA to Provide Approximately $6 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2020, 2021 Natural Disasters
WASHINGTON, May 16, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2020 and 2021 will soon begin receiving emergency relief payments totaling approximately $6 billion through the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) new Emergency Relief Program (ERP) to offset crop yield and value losses. “For...
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Dubai Set to Welcome Nut and Dried Fruit Industry for the 39th INC Congress
May 4, 2022. Over 1,100 industry professionals from more than 60 countries will gather under one roof for the 39th World Nut and Dried Fruit Congress from May 11-13, 2022, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, organized by the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC). The INC Congress is the only international event purely dedicated...
Read moreAPC and APPB gather for landmark meetings
The pecan industry in the United States has gone through many organizational changes within the last decade. A group of meetings at the end of March represented another pecan industry landmark. The American Pecan Council (APC), representing the Federal Marketing Order, and the American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB), representing the Research and Promotion Program, held...
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National Pecan Federation fly-in and report from Capitol Hill
NPF Washington, D.C. Fly-in The National Pecan Federation (NPF) recently held a Washington, D.C. board meeting and fly-in. The fly-in included board members and affiliated organizations. Issues discussed with the Administration and members of Congress included India’s tariff on U.S. pecan imports, pecan research funding, and the 2023 Farm Bill. NPF participants met with senior...
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U.S. Pecan Industry’s Quality Assurance Program Open for Comment
Fort Worth, Texas—The American Pecan Council (APC) has released the draft of the voluntary Quality Assurance Program (QAP) for the U.S. pecan industry for public comment and will be collecting feedback through our QAP survey (link below). The public comment period for the voluntary Quality Assurance Program will run from Thursday, April 28, 2022, through...
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3 New Pecan Varieties Patented by USDA-ARS Pecan Breeding and Genetics Program
‘Pueblo,’ ‘Seneca,’ and ‘Zuni’ are three new pecan varieties released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and are patent pending. These three varieties were written about in-depth by LJ Grauke (retired, USDA-ARS) in his 2019 Pecan South article, “Family Trees: The Next Generation.” All observations of these varieties are based...
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U.S. House Committee hearing on electric vehicles and agriculture
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture hearing, “Implications of Electric Vehicle Investments for Agriculture and Rural America,” focused on the feasibility of electric vehicle (EV) expansion. Chairman David Scott (D-GA) stressed the importance of technological innovations meeting the needs of the Agricultural community. The Chairman cited the increased farm input costs as a rising factor...
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USDA announces details for the APPB, pecan research and promotion program
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reaching out to pecan producers, importers, and handlers to provide information regarding the Pecan Promotion, Research, and Information Order, 7 CFR 1223, (Order) and the American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB), which administers the program. The Order became effective on February 12, 2021, which established a research and...
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Tree Nut and Dried Fruit Productions add up to 5 million and 3.2 million metric tons, respectively
With the Northern Hemisphere harvest completed, the world tree nut production for the 2021/2022 season has been forecasted at about five million metric tons (kernel basis, except pistachios inshell), down by 8 percent from 2020/21, but yet following the last decade growing trend and above the 2011/12-2019/20 volumes. Between 2011/12 and 2021/22, tree nut production...
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4th Annual Harvest Photo Contest
We’re entering the busiest time of year and one of the best for a quick orchard photo op. We’re excited to announce the fourth year of Pecan South’s annual photo contest. In the 2020 contest, Jorge Jalife submitted the winning photo taken by Vero Zertuche. The magical photo of a Monarch butterfly resting on a...
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USDA announces over $243 million in grants awarded to specialty crops
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Oct. 28 an investment of more than $243 million in grants to support specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops through two USDA programs—the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and the Specialty Crop Research Initiative grants program. USDA is investing $169.9 million through the...
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NM State, Legacy Pecans team up to create Pistol Pete’s Pecans
LAS CRUCES, New Mexico—Over the last half-decade, New Mexico State University has continuously been building up a collegiately licensed collection of consumables. On Friday, Oct. 15, New Mexico State University added another item on its ever-expanding list and branched out from beverages to food in the process. Collaborating with Legacy Pecans, a Mesilla-based retailer, NM...
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South Georgia Pecan Co. agrees to process FICO pecans
SAHUARITA, Ariz.—Farmers Investment Co (FICO) and South Georgia Pecan Company announced on Sept. 9 that they have entered into an agreement for FICO to sell its inshell pecans to South Georgia Pecan for processing. This agreement comes after FICO announced it is closing its pecan processing operations effective December 31, 2021. FICO will continue to...
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American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB) members appointed by USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Aug. 31 announced 17 appointees as members of the new American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB). The newly appointed members will serve two, three, and four-year terms. Ten producers and seven importers make up the 17-member board. The 10 producer members will be allocated between three regions within the United...
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Pecan growers vote to keep the FMO, USDA announces
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on Aug. 31 at the American Pecan Council annual meeting that eligible pecan growers voted to uphold the Federal Marketing Order (FMO) in the referendum. Because of this decision, the American Pecan Council will continue to be authorized by the FMO to regulate the handling of pecans, build...
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USDA reopens voting period for pecan FMO referendum
The Agricultural Marketing Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on July 6, 2021, that it is reopening the voting period for the pecan Federal Marketing Order (FMO) referendum being conducted among eligible pecan growers across the Pecan Belt. The voting period has been reopened for an additional 25 days from June 29, 2021,...
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Dr. Larry Stein selected for high-level campus award
Dr. Larry Stein, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulture specialist in the Department of Horticultural Science, was among three Texas A&M AgriLife faculty/staff members who recently received high-level campus awards from Texas A&M University and The Association of Former Students. Texas A&M and The Association of Former Students awarded Stein with the 2021 Distinguished Achievement. Both the President’s Meritorious...
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USDA announces additional aid to ag producers and businesses in pandemic assistance for producers initiative
WASHINGTON, June 14, 2021—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced June 14 additional aid to agricultural producers and businesses as part of the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Earlier this year, Secretary Vilsack announced plans to use available pandemic assistance funds to address a number of gaps and disparities in previous rounds of aid. As part...
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USDA begins payments for producers impacted by 2018/2019 natural disasters
WASHINGTON, June 11, 2021 – More than $1 billion in payments will be released over the next several weeks starting June 15 for agricultural producers with approved applications for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program and for producers who have already received payments through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). These U.S. Department...
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INC’s Real Power for Real People Campaign Shows the “Real Power” of Nuts and Dried Fruits to Millions Around the World
April 22, 2021—Launched on Oct. 27, 2020, the Real Power for Real People messaging focused on the concept that consuming nuts and dried fruits provides your body with the “real power” needed to face everyday challenges and be immune to everything. The campaign will be expanded during 2021/2022 to reach new audiences and build on...
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How to cast your vote in the FMO referendum
The Agricultural Marketing Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a notice on April 13 that directed a referendum to be conducted among eligible pecan growers across the Pecan Belt “to determine whether they favor the continuation of the marketing order regulating the handling of pecans produced in the production area.” The FMO referendum...
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Third stimulus check: Here’s what to expect
President Joe Biden signed the new $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill, titled the American Rescue Plan, on March 11. This massive bill includes an extra $300 in unemployment through Sept. 6, funding for vaccines, expanding the child tax credit for low-income families, increasing SNAP benefits, expanding an employee retention tax credit, and a new stimulus...
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Pecan Weevil Quarantines—Don’t Forget!
With the harvest season coming to a close, many growers are in the final stages of purchasing, shipping, and storing inshell pecans and other harvest-related articles and equipment. During these exchanges, invasive and/or regulated pests, like pecan weevil, can unexpectedly travel with untreated inshell pecans and debris, or hitch a ride on equipment, machinery, and...
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Dr. George Ray McEachern Becomes Professor, Extension Specialist Emeritus
Dr. George Ray McEachern was my major professor for my Ph.D. as well as my mentor. Then interestingly, at the end of his career, I was somewhat his boss, though I never thought of it that way. I feel privileged to nominate Dr. George Ray McEachern for Professor and Extension Horticulturist Emeritus. He has had...
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Pecan Research and Promotion Program Approved by USDA
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service approved Jan. 13, 2021, the creation of the American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB), a research and promotion program for the pecan industry, overseen by USDA AMS. Pecans have now become the first commodity or crop to have both a Federal Marketing Order and a Research and Promotion Program. The program will...
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USDA Quality Loss Assistance Available for Producers Impacted by 2018, 2019 Natural Disasters
WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced today that signup for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program will begin Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Funded by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, this new program provides assistance to producers who suffered eligible crop quality losses due...
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APC Launches its Electronic Reporting Platform
As the Federal Marketing Order for the American Pecan industry, the American Pecan Council (APC) has specific items or job duties it uniquely can and cannot do. One of the critical abilities the FMO provides the industry with is fair access to transparent information for the first time. This data can ultimately be used to...
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Holiday Trail Map Guides Customers to Pecans
As many growers rush to shake their trees and harvest their new crop this November, state growers associations and other industry organizations work to provide as much support as they can—whether that be by connecting producers to disaster relief and coronavirus aid or helping them find new ways to market their pecans. In its own...
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USDA RMA Updates Pecan Revenue Policy
As a result of talks with the National Pecan Federation, the USDA Risk Management Agency announced last week some changes under the Pecan Revenue policy for calculating approved average revenue for insured pecan orchards, recovering from hurricane damage. These changes can help some growers impacted by Hurricane Michael and may provide support to pecan growers...
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National Pecan Federation Reports from Capitol Hill
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly impacted the workings of the federal government, pecans have had several issues still active in Washington, D.C. This article covers a few of the top issues the National Pecan Federation has been involved in the last few months, including the pecan research and promotion program. USDA Releases Proposed Pecan...
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Two States, Two Storms, Devastation Abounds
While preparing for this harvest season, pecan producers in Louisiana and Alabama faced two devastating hurricanes. Growers in Louisiana endured Hurricane Laura at the end of August. Making landfall as a Category 4, Hurricane Laura is recorded as the strongest storm to hit Louisiana in 160 years. Yes, outpacing Hurricane Katrina and earning itself the...
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CFAP 2 Brings More Relief to Pecan Growers
Expansion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Begins Sept. 21 WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2020 – President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced up to an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Pecans are included in this second round...
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APC Announces 2020 Election Results
The American Pecan Council (APC) announced the results for its 2020 Election on the evening of Sept. 1 via an emailed memo. This election marks the first since the start of the Federal Marketing Order. As required by the Order, all Council positions were up for nomination and election. Following the guidelines set forth by...
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Texas’ Best Pecans—2019 Texas Pecan Show Winners Announced
Bryan, TX- The Texas Pecan Growers Association announced on Wednesday at its virtual conference the winners for the 2019 Texas Pecan Show. Each year since the 1940s, pecan growers across Texas send in their pecans to be judged by variety in hopes to win a Grand Champion award. According to TPGA, “The Texas Pecan Show...
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Marketing American Pecans During a Pandemic
Entering the full swing of summer feels a bit strange this year. In a season when we’re used to vacations, family reunions and neighborhood barbecues, this summer may look different for many of us. The impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic stretch far and wide, from major cities to small towns, and have affected so...
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Pecan Growers Can Receive Relief Through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Pecan growers impacted by COVID-19 can apply for direct relief payments through the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program by submitting an application to their local Farm Service Agency office between May 26 and Aug. 28. Pecans are included among the eligible specialty crops for this program. According to the USDA, the total payment for specialty...
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Part 2—Catch Up on the National Marketing Campaign, Q&A with the APC
In last month’s issue of Pecan South, marketing committee members from each growing region—Lalo Medina, Phillip Arnold, and Trent Mason—sat down to discuss successes to date and how the American Pecan Council’s marketing efforts have evolved since the launch of the first-ever consumer brand for American Pecans in April of 2018. Now, Chairman of the...
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Pecans Included in USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released details on May 19 on its Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Farmers and ranchers can also receive support through the USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program, through which the...
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Catch Up on the National Marketing Campaign, Q&A with the APC
The American Pecan Council launched the first-ever consumer brand for American Pecans in April of 2018. Marketing Committee members from each growing region—Lalo Medina, Phillip Arnold, and Trent Mason—sat down to discuss successes to date and how marketing efforts have evolved. Q: What are some of the big accomplishments so far? Phillip Arnold: It’s hard...
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APC Membership Election Begins, Here’s How to Cast Your Vote
Pecan industry members recently nominated eligible candidates for membership on the American Pecan Council (Council) for the 2020-2024 term of office. The voting period for elections is from April 15 through May 15. The Council will mail an election ballot to all industry members who are on record with the Council within the respective regions....
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The National Pecan Federation Announces a Proposed New Research and Promotion Program for Domestic and Imported Pecans
All Participants in the Pecan Industry: The National Pecan Federation (NPF), the advocacy group for the Pecan Industry in Washington, D.C., has been working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a new Research and Promotion Program for the pecan industry. This new program would assess both domestic and imported pecans to...
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House Passes COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the COVID-19 economic stimulus package today and sent it to President Donald Trump to enact. Supported by both Democrats and Republicans, the $2 Trillion stimulus package includes one-time cash payments to adults, emergency relief money for airports, public transportation and hospitals, up to four months of pay to laid-off...
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U.S. and China Sign Phase One of Trade Agreement
The United States and China signed “Phase One” of their trade agreement on Wednesday, further opening up trade negotiations between the two countries and halting the 18-month trade war. This first phase reduces some U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, includes intellectual property protections, and requires China to increase its purchases of U.S. agricultural products. Marked...
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Sharing the Pecan ThanksEverything Pie with America’s Kitchens
The Creation of the Pecan ThanksEverything Pie This holiday season, the American Pecan Council was on a mission to spotlight the true versatility of pecans. Our goal was to show that pecans work equally well in savory dishes as sweet, and are a crucial ingredient in every part of a seasonal celebration. Many brands are...
Read moreUSDA Announces Second Round of 2019 MFP Payments
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the second tranche of 2019 Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. The payments will begin the week before Thanksgiving. Producers of MFP-eligible commodities will now be eligible to receive 25 percent of the...
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The Pecan ThanksEveything Pie Takes America’s Holiday Meal to the Next Level
Fort Worth, TX – Nov. 7, 2019 – The three-bird roast has had its day. The newest holiday food mash-up is here and features America’s signature seasonal ingredient—pecans. Proving they are a hardworking ingredient belonging in every dish, American Pecans is making America’s wildest holiday dreams come true with the debut of the Pecan ThanksEverything Pie—a complete...
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TEXAS PECAN BOARD: Texas Pecan Month & Influencer Tour
The Texas Pecan Board, Texas’ state check-off program, hosted two events last month as part of its continued efforts to promote the Lone Star’s state nut. On Oct. 1, board representatives gathered in Austin, Texas to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the pecan tree being named the state tree of Texas. During this celebration, these...
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The Doors to India and Washington
Pecan growers know how to work their way through an orchard and, as it turns out, through the halls of Congress as well. Of course, that involves literally and figuratively being led by the National Pecan Federation (NPF) around the twisted maze that is Washington, D.C. The Redding Firm, hired on by the National Pecan...
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Pecans Featured on “Chasing Down Madison Brown”
Featuring a different adventure every week, the TV show “Chasing Down Madison Brown” on RFD-TV will take viewers behind the scenes into the pecan world. Organized by the American Pecan Council, the show traveled to San Saba, Texas to learn all about the Original Supernut. Host Madison Brown visited Millican Pecan Company and San Saba...
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Snickers Pecan Bars Fixin’ to Satisfy American Consumers
After surveying candy-lovers on what nut they wanted in their candy, Snickers answered their call and launched a limited release of Snickers Pecan Bars on Sept. 25. Once they hit the market, the bars sold out in less than 12 hours, and consumers are clamoring for more. “We were eager to involve our fans in...
Read moreUSDA Details Trade Damage Estimate Calculations
(Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of the Chief Economist has published a detailed accounting of how estimated damage from trade disruptions was calculated for its support package for farmers announced on July 25, 2019. USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist...
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USDA Announces Details of Support Package for Farmers
(Washington, D.C., July 25, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced further details of the $16 billion package aimed at supporting American agricultural producers while the Administration continues to work on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals. In May, President Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a relief strategy in line with the estimated impacts of unjustified...
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Trump signs $19 billion disaster relief bill
After a long delay, President Donald Trump signed the $19 billion disaster relief bill early Thursday morning, which will give funds to states and territories damaged by natural disasters. Along with Puerto Rico, a number of states, including California, Georgia, Florida, and Iowa, will receive aid through this package after being ravaged by hurricanes, wildfires,...
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Trump Administration removes India’s Special Trade Status
As the Chinese government preps to retaliate with a 25 percent tariff increase, trade tensions have arisen between the United States and India. The Trump Administration announced last Friday that it would eliminate India’s special trade status, which exempts billions of dollars of Indian products from U.S. tariffs. Starting June 5, the White House will...
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Innovation Corner: Noce Pecans
Noce Pecan is inspired by a traditional Italian walnut liqueur called Nocino, which is made from unripe walnuts and citrus. We made our Texas-inspired version by taking green, unripened pecans from Yegua Creek Farms and steeping them for a year in a neutral spirit. We then added fresh lemon peel for the final six months of the infusion. The resulting...
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Late spring tornado strikes Red River region
This spring has been a doozy for growers across Texas, Oklahoma and much of the Southeast, who have been combating tornadoes, thunderstorms, flash floods, and incessant rain. April 30 alone saw 41 tornadoes of varying strength touch down across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. One tornado, in particular, touched down near Wichita Falls, Texas...
Read moreUSDA Trade Disruption Support for Farmers
Pecan South will continue to update this article to bring the pecan industry the up-to-date news about the second round of trade mitigation support. USDA Announces Support for Farmers Impacted by Unjustified Retaliation and Trade Disruption May 23rd, 2019 U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take...
Read moreGPGA Meets for Annual Conference
The Georgia Pecan Growers Association hosted its 54th annual Educational Conference and Trade Show at the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center in Tifton, Georgia on March 26 through 27. The first day was marked by a golf tournament, a question and answer session with UGA Pecan Extension’s Lenny Wells, and a welcome reception....
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Update on Pecans in Washington, D.C.
Despite the completion of the 2018 Farm Bill, pecan has had much activity in the nation’s capital in recent days with Farm Bill implementation and other issues of significance to the industry. The 2018 Farm Bill is in the early implementation stage with rules still being formulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA recently...
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Pecan Congress marks another effort toward industry unity
April 9 marked a historic day for the American pecan industry. Hosted by the American Pecan Council, representatives from 19 of 21 state, regional, and national organizations and associations gathered at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport for the first ever Pecan Congress. Acknowledging this meeting’s historical significance, APC Executive Director, Alex Ott, commended delegates...
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North Carolina Growers Gather to Celebrate 25 years as an Association
Celebrating 25 years, the North Carolina Pecan Grower’s Association gathered in Clinton, North Carolina on the dreary morning of Feb. 16 for its annual meeting, where attendees networked, heard from pecan specialists and spoke with exhibitors. Kicking off the meeting, Mike Parker, Ph.D., from the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University, discussed managing...
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A New Year for American Pecans
The coming of the New Year marks a time for renewal and possibility. By now, most of you have finished or are wrapping up harvest operations, and thinking ahead to the growing season. Perhaps you’re planning to expand your orchards, are looking forward to seeing the first fruit from trees planted nearly a decade ago,...
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New NPSA Executive Director Sets His Sights on Collaboration & Unity
Jon Krueger has been Executive Director of the National Pecan Shellers Association for around 5 months now, and while things across the industry may have settled a bit, he still has a lot of work ahead, especially as the association begins to focus on new projects and increased industry-wide collaboration. Shortly after Krueger came on...
Read moreAPC Finishes 2018 with Steps Forward and Compromises
The American Pecan Council met at the Hyatt Regency at the DFW International Airport on Dec. 18 for its last meeting of 2018. In this meeting, the council addressed a proposal for revised grades and standards for kernels, revised forms, and a funding request from the U.S. Pecan Growers Council. Chairman Mike Adams opened the...
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National Chefs Get a Taste of America’s Native Nut at the 2018 Pecan Chefs Summit
Leveraging Kellen’s years of culinary expertise and contacts with partial funding from the American Pecan Council, the National Pecan Shellers Association hosted influential commercial and R&D chefs from nationally renowned brands and food service companies at its third Pecan Chefs Summit series on Oct. 25 to 27 in Atlanta and Albany, Georgia. The Pecan Chefs...
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The American Pecan Council Inspires Americans to #PledgePecans This Holiday Season
The end of the year is a time when many of us take a moment to reflect. It has been an eventful year for the American pecan industry. Certainly, it has come with its challenges—in the form of trade wars, hurricanes, and floods. Though familiar trials for the agriculture industry, there is nothing common about...
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HURRICANE MICHAEL— Georgia’s Worst-Case Scenario, Now a Reality
About a month out, growers in the Southeast are still reeling from Hurricane Michael’s destruction. Each day the damage becomes more and more apparent, and Georgia growers now say that the state’s pecan industry will take decades to recover. “This is a forever lost,” says one South Georgia grower. “In my lifetime, I won’t see...
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Hurricane Michael Ravages Georgia, State of 2018 Crop Uncertain
Hurricane Michael struck Southwest Georgia early Thursday morning as a Category 3 before weakening to a Cat 2 and 1 as it marched across the state. Along the way, the storm downed trees and power lines, swept away pecans, and endangered thousands. Moving fast, it has now traveled into the Carolinas and is predicted to...
Read moreUpdates From Washington— From Farm Bill to the H2A Visa
2018 Farm Bill Moves Forward The U.S. Senate has completed action on the 2018 Farm Bill with a final floor vote of 86 to 11. The House passed their version of the bill by a vote of 213 to 211. The U.S. House has appointed 47 conferees for the Farm Bill. The Senate is expected...
Read moreTexas Pecan Board schedules election for three at-large slots
BRYAN, TEXAS — The Texas Pecan Board will hold elections in August to elect three board members where current members’ terms are expiring. The board was established in 1998 after pecan growers throughout Texas voted into effect a one-half-cent-per-pound pecan assessment to provide funds for promotion and research. Nine pecan producers serve on the board....
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Breaking Out of the Pie Shell: Behind the Scenes of the American Pecans Consumer Brand Launch
The final week of National Pecan Month ended with a flurry of marketing and promotional activity as the pecan industry’s first-ever consumer-facing brand made its debut. Consumers coast to coast, along with our industry, have been introduced to American Pecans, The Original Supernut—a new brand identity and consumer education initiative created by the American Pecan...
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Pecan Industry Launches First-Ever National Consumer Campaign
The country was introduced to American Pecans: The Original Supernut™ on April 25—and consumers may never look at pecans the same way again. The goal of this first-ever national campaign developed by the American Pecan Council is to help consumers realize that pecans are super nutritious, super delicious and super versatile. It’s a new brand...
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A Glimpse at Pecans in California
The team at Kern farm places great importance on soil health. After shredding up limbs from hedging, Felipe Ramirez, farm manager, leads the team in compacting those shredded limbs into the soil. This is one way orchard employees work to bring nutrients back to the soil. Ramirez also says this helps to keep the ground...
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Celebrating 75 Years & Growing
For more than 75 years, the National Pecan Shellers Association (NPSA) has been committed to its stated mission: to support and promote the interest of pecan shellers and the global industry to assure quality, safety, and integrity of pecan products worldwide. NPSA has played a critical role as a solutions provider for pecan shellers by implementing...
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Oklahoma High Schooler, Pecans Win Big at National FFA Agriscience Fair
An Oklahoma sophomore won the National Runner-Up at the National Agriscience FFA Fair in Indianapolis, Indiana for his research on pecans. One of 12 finalists, Jasper Rader from Oologah High School in Oologah, Oklahoma presented his project to the research board, compiled a report and was interviewed by a panel of judges before being awarded....
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Growers Lose Crops, Trees, and Leaves to Harvey and Irma
At the end of August and beginning of September, two hurricanes—Harvey and Irma— hit the Southern portion of the United States. Harvey struck Southeast Texas on Aug. 25 as a Category 4; it quickly downgraded to a tropical storm and then stalled over Texas for three days. Following soon after, Hurricane Irma blasted the Caribbean,...
Read moreTexas’ War Against Feral Hogs Heats Up
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller will be announcing approval of a major new weapon in the ongoing war against feral hogs in Texas. Commissioner Miller has approved a rule change in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) that classifies a new warfarin-based product as a state-limited-use pesticide for control of feral hogs. State-limited-use pesticides...
Read moreNew Pecan Tree Insurance has May 15 Deadline
Pecan growers now have a new risk management tool beginning with the 2018 crop year, which runs from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. AgriLogic Consulting of College Station, Texas completed the development of the program in conjunction with a number of state and regional pecan grower associations and by working with industry representatives...
Read moreAmerican Pecan Council Continues Set-Up Work
The American Pecan Council continues to deal with the details of implementing the new federal marketing order for pecans. In a conference call meeting on Jan. 20, Council treasurer G.L. Straley indicated that a bank account would be activated soon. The pecan industry will be notified as soon as possible when the Council is prepared...
Read morePecan Scientists to Meet March 21-24 at Noble
Pecan scientists get together for a national meeting every few years and the 2017 gathering will take place March 21-24 at The Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Charles Rohla, the manager of Noble’s Center for Pecan and Specialty Agriculture, has announced that scientists wishing to make a presentation at the event need to submit a...
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FFA Pecan Project Nets Oklahoma Student National Award
Indianapolis, Indiana recently hosted the 89th annual National FFA Convention where Oologah, Oklahoma FFA member, Jesse Rader, was recognized on stage as one of the top 4 Fruit Proficiencies in the nation. His proficiency qualified for national competition last spring, after winning first place at the Oklahoma State FFA Convention with his Fruit Proficiency for...
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Northern Growers Tour Voss Pecans in Illinois
Attracting northern pecan growers from 5 states, Ralph and Karen Voss hosted a fall harvest tour of their farm near Carlyle, Ilinois. For many growers, a visit to Voss Pecans was an opportunity to see a productive pecan orchard and the machinery used to harvest, clean and crack a pecan crop in action. The tour...
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Pecans Well Represented at Fresh Summit Show
The pecan industry was well-represented at the Oct. 14-16 Produce Marketing Association’s 67th Annual Fresh Summit Convention in Orlando, Florida. Two associations and four individual companies had booths to showcase pecans to buyers at the annual event, which attracted 20,889 attendees from 65 countries. Over 1,200 exhibitors participated. The exhibiting companies showcased new products, trends,...
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South Georgia Growers Feared Hermine But Losses Minimal
When driving around South Georgia, it is hard to not come across pecan trees in orchards big and small. In the beginning of September, there was a lot to look at — from heavily pecan-loaded branches to downed trees and damage from Hermine, a hurricane that came through the state on Sept. 2-3. The Georgia...
Read moreSchmeiser announces new Mid Row Ripper
SELMA, Calif. – T.G. Schmeiser Co. Inc. announced the Schmeiser Vibrosoiler Mid Row Ripper. Since its initial launch by Ag Soil Works, the Mid Row Ripper has shown impressive results and acceptance for use in both vineyard and orchard applications. The resulting demand led John Crossland of Ag Soil Works to reach out to T.G....
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NMSU Receives $4.4 Million Grant for Pecan Research
You may enjoy receiving those packaged pecans as a gift during the holiday season. Or maybe it’s that freshly baked pecan pie that makes your mouth water. The pecan is one of the most nutritious nuts out there, and pecan production may improve thanks to a $4.4 million grant awarded to New Mexico State University....
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Brison Scholarship Recipient
The Texas Pecan Growers Association annually sponsors the Fred Brison Scholarship, given to a horticulture student at Texas A&M University. The 2016 recipient was named April 9 at a TAMU awards event. Recipient Victoria Soledad De Leon, center, is working on a bachelor’s degree in fruit and nut production. Also pictured is Dr. Dan Lineberger,...
Read moreGrowers vs. Processors: Who’s Making the Money?
Recently while I was out grocery shopping with my wife, we ran across a display of pecans and while there was nothing new or exciting about this display two things did catch my eye. These pecans were a pretty creamy gold color and not the mahogany brown that I was accustomed to seeing and they...
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Purely Pecans Pecan Butter launches flagship product
Valdosta, GA — April 18, 2016 — A project that began some 3 years ago with the goal to create a nut butter made from pecans has come to fruition. Purely Pecans is a newly launched brand, bringing to the market a smooth and creamy butter made from 100 percent pecans. There are no additives,...
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Strengthening El Nino Could Mean Elevated Rainfall Through May
COLLEGE STATION – A further strengthening of the current El Niño will likely mean wetter-than-normal conditions continue into spring, according to Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas state climatologist and Regents Professor at Texas A&M University, College Station. “There’s the possibility that this El Niño, although it’s already pretty strong, is actually going to strengthen a bit...
Read moreNational Pecan Acquires Significant Arizona Pecan Acreage
In mid-December, National Pecan announced the acquisition of a 4,000-acre+ pecan orchard and operation in Bowie, Arizona. The purchase of the Arizona pecan farm is another step toward vertical integration and overall growth for National Pecan. “The orchard is a well-regarded operation with a strong track record of producing exceptional quality pecans to serve growing...
Read moreInspection Masters Welcomes Veteran Marketing VP
January 4, 2016, Las Cruces, NM – Inspection Masters has announced that ag industry veteran Don Sieling has joined the company as vice president of sales and marketing. Sieling lives in California and will manage the company’s growth in the California markets as well as oversee IM’s network of salespersons, OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and...
Read moreUSDA Suspends Important Fruit and Nut Report
On Jan. 7, this notice regarding the statistical report for noncitrus fruits and nuts was published by USDA: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will not publish the Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts Preliminary 2015 Summary scheduled for Jan. 21. We will publish the Annual Summary on July 6, 2016. This...
Read moreU.S. Ag Products Featured at Hong Kong Culinary Event
On Nov. 24, 2015, the U.S. Agricultural Trade Office in Hong Kong showcased 25 U.S. food and beverage products to 75 culinary professionals at a launch event for the second “United Tastes of America — Asian Chef Challenge.” Hong Kong is the fourth largest export destination for U.S. consumer-oriented agricultural products with over 10 percent...
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U.S. Pecans sponsors Korean/Sino production, nutrition seminars
Pecan exports play a major role in sustaining and adding profit to the pecan industry, particularly at the grower level. Today, the pecan industry exports nearly a third of its total production, up from less than 10 percent in 2000. It is estimated that pecan exports add over $150,000,000 in additional farm-gate value to U.S....
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Linwood Nursery Celebration
LINWOOD NURSERY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS — Linwood Nursery of LaGrange, California marked its first 100 years of service to the pecan industry with a Grower Appreciation Day on Oct. 16. Attendees were treated to breakfast, an educational program, lunch and tour. In top photo, Jason Hall, left, and Joel Hall were presented with resolutions from...
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U.S. Pecan Growers Council Travels to Turkey
U.S. PECANS IN TURKEY — U.S. Pecans were represented at World Food Istanbul in September. Turkey has a great deal of interest in pecans and will continue to be focused on in next year’s export promotions, funded with MAP (Market Access Program) money from USDA. The Turkish child pictured below was a walnut fan and...
Read moreInspection Masters Appoints Savage as Exclusive Distributor
Inspection Masters LLC has announced that Savage Equipment Inc. has become the exclusive sales and marketing distributor for all I.M. pecan sorters throughout the U.S., Mexico and South Africa. The appointment is effective immediately. Inspection Masters LLC has been the leading supplier of optical sorting equipment for pecan growers for over 15 years. Savage Equipment...
Read moreNational Pecan Acquires Poulan Pecan Company
FRISCO, Texas — National Pecan announced on Aug. 4 the acquisition of Poulan Pecan Company of Poulan, Georgia. The purchase, which includes the Poulan Pecan Company processing facility and brand, is the first of its kind for National Pecan and is a major milestone toward the company’s vertical integration goals. “At National Pecan, we feel...
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My “Rookie Pee-KAHN” Season in Central Texas
Greetings, I am new to the world of pecans — as such, I am a “pecan rookie”. So, the first question is, what is the correct pronunciation of pecan? The dialects for this nut vary across the U.S. Is it pee-KAHNs, pee-CANs, PEE-cans, or pick-AHNs or some other pronunciation to describe this nutritional nut? It...
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Face of Pecan Industry Portrayed at Federal Hearings
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has seen the American Pecan Industry “up close and personal.” In the 3 growing regions over 8 days and through 55 witnesses giving 60 hours of testimony, the industry presented its case to USDA for a Federal Marketing Order for Pecans. Pecan stakeholders all — growers and shellers, large and...
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New Players Looking to Impact Pecan Industry
Positive developments and publicity focused on the pecan industry have abounded over the past 5 five years, drawing attention and interest from well outside the mainstream of the pecan world. As a result, there has been a myriad of new investments, by industry veterans and newcomers alike — in small ways for some, but in...
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Milk alternative “Malk” is another new pecan product
Malk is a plant-based, alternative-milk company that has gained considerable success in the past year. The company currently makes three types of milk: unsweetened almond milk, sweet vanilla almond milk, and maple pecan milk. Each product is made with 5 or fewer ingredients and serves as a great, non-dairy alternative to milk. August Vega started...
Read moreMarketing Order Info Widely Shared at Industry Meets
A significant effort has been underway the past several weeks to disseminate information to the pecan industry regarding a potential federal marketing order for pecans. USDA representatives along with American Pecan Board members have made appearances on conference programs at the Southeastern Pecan Growers conference, the Western Pecan Growers conference and the National Pecan Shellers...
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Texas Pecan Short Course a Success, Bright Future for Pecans
Whether you’ve grown pecans for 25 years or you’re just getting started, the Texas Pecan Short Course at Texas A&M University is five days of valuable information. The course is given by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and features presentations from Texas A&M University and AgriLife professors and researchers on everything from pecan varieties...
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New Book Focuses on Pecan History
A new book, “The Pecan: A History of America’s Native Nut”, is now available from The Olde Pecan Bookstore. This 172-page hardback is written by James McWilliams, a historian and writer from Austin, Texas. Cost is $20. In this book, McWilliams explores the history of America’s most important commercial nut. He describes how essential the...
Read moreNutrition trends 2015: Nuts in Top Two Superfoods
NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Will 2015 be gluten-free? Is Paleo out? Are we eating carbs yet? Is kale still the Queen of Greens or will nuts, seeds or cauliflower take the throne? The annual “What’s Trending in Nutrition” Survey from Pollock Communications and Today’s Dietitian highlights what’s forecasted to be in – and...
Read moreINC launches fun game to encourage nut consumption among children
Nuts and dried fruits consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, and the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council aims to make such benefits known through its new application, INC Cartoons. In just one minute, the superheroes from INC Cartoons will fight the enemies to win the...
Read morePecan Newsletter Offers Harvest, Price Updates
Editor’s note: The Pecan Newsletter is a publication owned and published by Pecan South magazine. The report below was issued on Dec. 12. For information on subscribing to the weekly update, contact pecansouth@tpga.org. SOUTHEAST — The Southeast is on the downhill side of harvest with many growers having already finished harvest or planning on wrapping...
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Texas Pecan Board showcases pecans in Texas Co-Op’s holiday contest
Again in 2014 the Texas Pecan Board sponsored Texas Co-Op Power magazine’s holiday recipe contest resulting in enthusiastic response from consumers and great exposure for Texas pecans. The winning recipe, Ultimate Chocolate Pecan Pie, was featured on the cover of the magazine’s December issue (see photo) and the other winning entries appeared within the magazine....
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Golden Peanut Acquires Harrell Nut Company
CHICAGO, Oct. 31, 2014 – Golden Peanut Company LLC, a subsidiary of Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE: ADM), announced today that it has acquired the processing facilities and certain assets of the Harrell Nut Company, one of the country’s leading processors and shellers of pecans. Reflecting the company’s continuing expansion of its product portfolio, Golden...
Read moreGeorgia congressman advocates with India for reduced pecan tariffs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, advocated for Georgia’s pecan industry during a brief meeting with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in New York City on Sunday. After a private conversation, he gave Prime Minister Modi...
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OSU gets endowed pecan research position
Oklahoma pecan growers took a giant step forward to ensure future support for the industry they love. A total of 36 different individuals, farms or companies donated to create the endowed professorship. Donations were received from producers in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. Contributions totaled $250,000 and were matched by a donation from T. Boone Pickens...
Read moreAPB hosts second session to discuss pecan marketing order
The American Pecan Board hosted another round of informational sessions on Sept. 3, this time in Tifton, Georgia. Southeastern growers and buyers were invited to participate in the conversational exchange with APB representatives as well as USDA personnel, for the purpose of exploring a federal marketing order for pecans. This was the second of at...
Read moreCalifornia tree nuts and U.S. pecans impacted by Putin’s ban
California tree nuts are likely to feel the impact of a ban on food imports into Russia, one of the actions taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to sanctions imposed over the Ukraine conflict. The National Pecan Growers Council, under the banner of U.S. Pecans, had planned to participate in the World Food...
Read moreCenter for Pecan Innovation focuses on new food uses
The Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Pecans (Georgia Pecan Commission) announced earlier this year the establishment of the Center for Pecan Innovation to find new uses for America’s Nut. “Our initial focus will be new food products made from pecans, which is one of the most nutritious tree nuts,” says John Robison, chairman of the...
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Canadian pecan market has expansion potential
A team of 3 represented the National Pecan Growers Council in the U.S. Pecans booth at the recent (April 2-4) SIAL Canada trade show in Montreal. Cindy Wise of Texas Pecan Growers Association, Ben Anthony of Pecan Plantation in Granbury, Texas, and John Handley of South Georgia Pecan Co. in Valdosta, Georgia, participated in this...
Read moreU.S. Pecan Council changes name to American Pecan Board
At a recent meeting of the U. S. Pecan Council, its Board of Directors voted to change the official name of the organization. The not-for-profit organization shares that, going forward, the U.S. Pecan Council will be known as the American Pecan Board. President Mike Adams of the American Pecan Board Inc., a pecan grower, released...
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Late freeze takes out millions of pounds from 2014 crop
A new pecan season certainly got off to a rough start for some growers in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma when a late night/early morning freeze did major damage to many orchards on April 14-15. Reports continue to come in regarding the spring freeze event which dramatically impacted western and central areas of Texas, eastern...
Read morePecan museum to begin construction in Seguin, TX
A Pecan Museum is back on the drawing board for Seguin, Texas, after a few years of non-activity. The museum will soon be under construction at the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center in Seguin, better known locally in Seguin as the Big Red Barn. Seguin’s Pecan Museum Association presented a check for $264,366 to...
Read moreTexas to proceed with water lawsuit against New Mexico
Editor’s note: this news release is compiled from Associated Press and Las Cruces Sun Times reporting. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in late January that Texas can proceed with its lawsuit against New Mexico over management of the Rio Grande. Texas contends that groundwater pumping near the Texas-New Mexico border has resulted in Texas...
Read moreCottage Food Law expands in Texas
Recent changes by the 83rd Texas Legislature to the Texas Cottage Food Law now make it permissible to sell nonperishable coated and uncoated nuts from one’s home. Sales must be face-to-face with the consumer and includes selling at some farmer’s markets, fairs, festivals and non-profit events. Online sales are prohibited as well as any other...
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Culinary Students Create World’s Largest Praline
More than 2,000 high school culinary students secured their place in the Guinness Book of World Records as they created the world’s largest praline with donations supplied by the Georgia Pecan Commission and U.S. Foods. The 531-pound confection was prepared to celebrate the Hospitality Education Foundation of Georgia’s (HEFG) 10th annual Career Expo, held on...
Read moreNew book features industry history, personalities
DeWayne McCasland of Goldthwaite, Texas, has just published a new book entitled “They Must Have Been Nuts: The Innovators, Speculators and Giant Personalities Who Created the Modern Pecan Industry.” The hardback is 146 pages of interesting reading with chapters covering “From the Beginning to the Present”, “Step-by-Step the Pecan Industry Moves Forward”, “Risk”, “Growers”, “Accumulators”,...
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Pecans enjoy more positive publicity
The November issue of Saveur magazine, featured Georgia pecans in a 7-page article called “Southern Belle: The pecan, the South’s favorite nut, adds buttery, earthy richness to all sorts of holiday foods.” Saveur is a food, wine and travel magazine that specializes in various world culinary cuisines. More than 1.5 million people read the magazine...
Read moreTeaching the world to eat pecans
Editor’s note: this article was posted on USDA’s “Blog” on Dec. 18, 2013, by Kent Politsch, Chief, Foreign Ag Service Public Affairs. The pecan industry has also been utilizing MAP (Market Access Program) funding for the past three years to develop export markets. The 2014 MAP allocation, along with significant contributions from growers and shellers,...
Read moreChanges proposed for key provisions of FSMA affecting farmers
Editor’s note: Michael Taylor is a Deputy Commissioner with the Food and Drug Administration. He issued this statement on Dec. 19, 2013 FDA appreciates and takes very seriously the extensive input we have received from produce farmers and others in the agricultural sector on the proposed FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) rules on produce...
Read moreCold storage pecan carry-in totals 181 million pounds
USDA has reported that, as of Sept. 30, 2013, there were approximately 181 million pounds of pecans in cold storage. This is a converted-to-inshell total number. This is the number traditionally used by the pecan industry as the “carry in” for the season. Broken down into shelled and inshell numbers, the actual cold storage statistics...
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Top Pecans in Texas – 2012
Winners of the Texas State Pecan Show were selected last July at the Texas Pecan Growers Association annual convention held in College Station. Approximately 21 county pecan shows were held across the state during the months of November and December 2012, some of which were multi-county events. The top 2 placing entries within each variety...
Read moreNew U.S. Pecan Council
On May 16, 2013, an historic event occurred for pecans. Up until that date, no group had been assembled that represented all segments of the U.S. pecan industry. On that date, the newly formed U.S. Pecan Council seated its first board of directors. This article is an account of its beginnings and future vision. In...
Read moreGeorgia Pecans on CBS and Pinterest
As Georgia Pecan Month and the harvest season approach, the Georgia Pecan Commission has been marketing Georgia Pecans on a national platform. The Commission conducted desk-side editorial meetings with editors of food and health magazines such as Fitness, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Women’s Health, Self, Weight Watcher’s and Ladies’ Home Journal. The Commission also coordinated Georgia-based...
Read moreGeorgia Pecan Commission launches summer projects
The Georgia Pecan Commission is turning the heat up this summer with media relations and a new website design. During Heart Awareness Month in February, registered dietitian Kim Beavers, host of Eating Well with Kim, discussed Georgia Pecans and the Commission on Augusta, Georgia, television station CBS 12 (WRDW). Beavers whipped up a Georgia Pecan...
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Irrigation District Water Allotment Lowest Ever for Western Growers
Kevin Ivey stands next to his thriving pecan trees, planted 7 years ago. Like many other growers in the El Paso Valley, he has optimistically expanded his pecan acreage in recent years with high hopes for the future. Could that optimism be nipped in the bud, the future outlook not quite so bright as it...
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Scenes from around the Industry
Oklahoma Hail Damage TriState 2013 Conference
Read moreU.S. Pecans team travels north to promote, change perceptions
The U.S. Pecans team led another trade mission to Canada and into a market where customers are familiar with pecans, but there is still work to be done. The team included Janice Dees from the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, Olivia Carver from the Western Pecan Growers Association and Blair Krebs from the Texas Pecan Growers...
Read morePecan exports to China reach record levels, still climbing
The February import/export figures from the Foreign Ag Statistics Service show that pecan exports to China have set a new record. Between Aug. 1, 2012 and Feb. 28, 2013, China imported almost 89 million pounds (inshell basis) of pecans. Within that figure, exports to Vietnam and China were both down slightly but Hong Kong more...
Read moreNASS suspends pecan estimates due to sequestration
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service announced on March 12 that it is suspending a number of statistical surveys and reports for the remainder of the fiscal year due to reduced funding caused by sequestration. Before deciding upon the program suspensions, NASS reviewed its survey programs against mission- and user-based criteria as well as the amount...
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USDA crop report reflects lower prices
USDA published its Preliminary Summary of the 2012 pecan crop in late January, with estimated production dropping from 308.6 million pounds to 302.8 million. The only significant change was a 4 million pound drop in New Mexico’s estimate. The significant, but not surprising, information in the recent USDA report is the confirmation of lower prices paid to...
Read moreGeorgia Pecan Commission spreads pecan message
The Georgia Pecan Commission continues to promote Georgia pecans to consumers in both traditional media and social media. Promotions include a New York City media tour that featured desk-side meetings with editors of popular consumer magazines, a Facebook contest and an editorial push in November during Georgia Pecan Month highlighting the health benefits of pecans...
Read moreCarry-in stocks total 123 million
USDA’s end-of-September Cold Storage report puts pecan stocks at 123 million pounds, in-shell basis. This Sept. 30 number is utilized by the pecan industry as the “carry in” for the current season. The 123 million compares to 151 million at the end of August 2012. At the end of September last year, the cold storage...
Read moreNPSA launches Facebook page
The National Pecan Shellers Association has recently launched a Facebook page. Visit the page at www.Facebook.com/ILovePecans . “Like” the page to get regular updates and tips for using pecans. Also recently, NPSA hosted a nationwide media tour to promote the nutritional benefits of pecans for men. Nationally syndicated morning TV show, The Daily Buzz, highlighted...
Read moreUSDA predicts U.S. pecan crop at 308 million
USDA released its first estimate of the 2012/13 pecan crop on Oct. 11 with a forecast of 308.6 million pounds for the U.S. total, which is an increase of almost 15 percent over the 2011 crop of 269 million pounds. Another group, the Alabama Pecan Growers Association, issued its own 2012 crop forecast at its...
Read moreCentral Texas Growers Deal with Drought Aftermath
Growers in Comanche County, Texas gathered at the end of February for a drought program put on by the AgriLife Extension office. Charles Rohla from the Noble Foundation spoke about recovering from the drought as well as the future of the industry. Bill Ree spoke about any insect-related problems to expect this year and those...
Read moreUSDA’s pecan crop estimate increases 20 million pounds
USDA’s 2011 pecan crop preliminary summary was released on March 15 and reflects a 20-million- pound increase over its previous crop estimate published in October. This summary report, which includes prices, has been published in January in the past. The report was initially going to be discontinued by USDA but the agency reconsidered and will...
Read moreGeorgia Pecan Commission introduces AntioxiNUT campaign
The Georgia Pecan Commission has launched health-focused promotion and education programs to support Georgia’s 2011 fall pecan harvest. The Commission has recently initiated a new campaign to educate consumers about the high content of antioxidants in pecans. “The goal is to motivate consumers about the positive health benefits and the high Georgia Pecan Commission introduces...
Read moreU.S. Pecans Makes Splash at China Ice Cream Show
A team from U.S. Pecans traveled to China at the end of October to continue promotion of pecans in the Chinese market, particularly in the ice cream, baking and ingredients industries. James Ditmore from New Mexico, Blair Krebs from Texas, Dan Zedan from Illinois, Glenn Honaker from Texas and Odie Dollins from Texas all participated...
Read moreSponsored By Texas Pecan Board Texas Co-Op Power Magazine Features Recipe Contest Winners
Pecan South readers can expect to see a copy of Texas Co-Op Power magazine in their mailbox soon, courtesy of that magazine and the Texas Pecan Board. For the past couple of years, TPB has sponsored a highly popular pecan holiday recipe contest in the utilities co-op publication that has a circulation of 1.3 million. Cash prizes totaling...
Read moreUGA’s Ron Pegg Gets $1.2 Million Federal Grant
Dr. Ron Pegg, a University of Georgia researcher, was awarded a $1.2 million federal grant on Oct. 14 to study the nutritional benefits of pecans. The USDA grant will fund research by the UGA food science professor, who is working to expound on studies that suggest eating pecans may help protect against heart disease. He...
Read moreTexas Pecan Board Sponsoring Holiday Recipe Contest
For the second consecutive year, the Texas Pecan Board is sponsoring Texas Co-Op Power magazine’s annual holiday recipe contest. Winners will receive $5,000 in total prizes and their recipes will be published in the December 2011 issue of that publication. This year’s competition invited entries in two different categories — savory and sweet, with the grand prize...
Read moreCold Storage Pecans Total 235 Million Pounds
USDA’s end of February report indicates that cold storage holdings of pecans grew during February from 224 to 235 million pounds, in-shell basis. That makes the end of February number this year (235 million) just slightly below the end-of-February total in 2009 (239 million). When broken down into shelled and in-shell categories, there were approximately...
Read morePecan Exports: Is The Chinese Market Sustainable?
Pecan exports to China doubled in 2009 compared to 2008 and have increased about 860 percent since 2006 (see Fig. 1). Prices for improved varieties increased this past, high-production season. Price improvement during a high production year is very rare due to the counter cyclical nature of production and prices (see Fig. 2). The price...
Read moreNPSA Requests Support For Marketing, Promotion And Research Program
NPSA requests support for Marketing, Promotion and Research Program ATLANTA – The National Pecan Shellers Association’s Marketing, Promotion and Research Committee thanks the 65 pecan growers (companies, individuals and state/regional associations) who contributed more than $165,000 last year to the industry’s only national program designed to expand the market for pecans. The Marketing, Promotion and...
Read moreDupont Crop Protection Launches Tank Mix App For iPhone
DuPont Crop Protection recently announced an innovative application to help customers—a “TankMix App,” created for iPhone and iTouch users. The DuPont Information Technology’s (IT) Innovation Office, under the leadership of John Puckett, director, IT innovation, sponsored the project. The TankMix App provides basic math calculations for the amount of product and water needed per tank...
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