Two rows of mature pecan trees at the Texas A&M Orchard in College Station, Texas.

Texas AgriLife Job Opening: Assistant Professor and Extension Horticulture Specialist

Position Description Assistant Professor and Extension Horticulture Specialist: Emphasis in Pecans—El Paso, Texas Position Description: The AgriLife Research and Extension Center in El Paso, TX and the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, College Station, TX seeks outstanding applicants for a non-tenure track Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist position in horticultural sciences with...

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a tractor driving through the pecan orchard

USDA releases 2022 Census of Agriculture data

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) today announced the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture, spanning more than 6 million data points about America’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them down to the county level. The information collected directly from producers...

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a tractor driving through the pecan orchard

USDA to Issue $306 Million in Final Payments to Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters

WASHINGTON—The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing final Emergency Relief Program (ERP) payments totaling approximately $306 million to eligible commodity and specialty crop producers who incurred losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin issuing these additional payments to eligible producers this week. “In the natural disaster...

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A worker drives a harvester to pick up pecans off the ground during harvest.

USDA Issues Section 32 Solicitation for Pecans

Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced today a solicitation for 6.2 million pounds of pecans for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs. Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, to encourage the continued domestic consumption of these products...

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A screenshot of the Instagram profile for Pekan Pioniere—the APC's German pecan marketing page.

New Year, New International Opportunities for Pecan

As the only native tree nut in the United States, pecans are uniquely American. However, the fact that they’re a nutritional powerhouse that has essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants makes them uniquely qualified to meet consumers’ growing demands for delicious and nutritious snack options—particularly abroad.  In fact, consumers in Europe—specifically Germany and the United Kingdom—are...

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A native pecan grove near a river bottom in Central Texas.

Texas Pecan Organizations Collaborate with Tarleton State University to Establish Pecan Innovation Center

Stephenville, TX—The Texas Pecan Growers Association and the Texas Pecan Board proudly announce an innovative collaboration with Tarleton State University to establish the Texas Pecan Innovation Center. This strategic partnership, made possible through the Texas Department of Agriculture Innovation Pilot Project grant, marks a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance resources for Texas pecan...

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A pecan tree with sparse, light green leaves shows signs of leaf dieback.

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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Photo for Acres: Cultivating Equity in Black Agriculture.

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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American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB) logo

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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Logos for the American Pecan Council and the American Pecan Promotion Board

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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A barrel full of inshell pecans with a metal scooper resting on top of the nuts.

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....

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Pecan sliders dressed up and served on a wooden platter. These sliders play into several food trends in 2021.

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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A Huma Agronomist holding and examining soil.

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...

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USDA 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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A man in a cowboy hat and button down work shirt sorts inshell and shelled pecans in a wooden pallet.

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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USDA 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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American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB) logo

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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An orchard in fall.

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...

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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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American Pecan Promotion Board (APPB) logo

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...

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NFWF’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...

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A view of rows of young pecan trees from above. The orchard floor is mowed neatly around the trees, creating a thin strip of dark green grass within each row.

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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An old nut cluster hangs in the foreground of a photo of mature pecan trees at the USDA Brownwood Station.

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...

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A box of inshell pecans with a red handcracker in it.

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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a tractor driving through the pecan orchard

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...

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Agricultural 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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a tractor driving through the pecan orchard

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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APC 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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The three new pecan varieties compared side-by-side.

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. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. National Pecan Federation shares updates from the Hill.

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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Slices of dried fruit and tree nuts form a circle on a tan background.

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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Card announcing Pecan South's 4th Annual Photo Contest

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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A nut cluster of pecans during the summer. The shucks of this specialty crop are bright green.

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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Pistol Pete's Pecans in their branded bag.

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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Logo for the American Pecans marketing brand. It reads: American Pecans: The Original Supernut. The brand is promoted and managed by the American Pecan Council, under a federal marketing order. Pecan growers in the U.S. can vote to continue the APC in the 2021 FMO referendum.

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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Dr. Larry Stein's headshot

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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Pecans from shell to pieces laid artfully on a counter. USDA's CFAP 2 will provide direct assistance to pecan growers and businesses impacted by the pandemic.

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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Graphic for INC's Real Power for Real People campaign

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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Logo for the American Pecans marketing brand. It reads: American Pecans: The Original Supernut. The brand is promoted and managed by the American Pecan Council, under a federal marketing order. Pecan growers in the U.S. can vote to continue the APC in the 2021 FMO referendum.

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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Blooming tulips sit in the foreground of this shot of the U.S. Capitol

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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A bowl of roasted pecans. This is the featured photo for an article on the APC Electronic Reporting Platform.

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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TPGA's Holiday Trail Map shows a list of pecan retail stores and orchards looking to sell to the general public this holiday season.

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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Mature crop lays scattered on an orchard floor in Georgia after Hurricane Michael. RMA's changes to the Pecan Revenue policy will help growers impacted by this storm.

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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A large mature pecan tree was split in half by Hurricane Laura.

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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Pecans from shell to pieces laid artfully on a counter. USDA's CFAP 2 will provide direct assistance to pecan growers and businesses impacted by the pandemic.

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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Logo for the American Pecans marketing brand. It reads: American Pecans: The Original Supernut. The brand is promoted and managed by the American Pecan Council, under a federal marketing order. Pecan growers in the U.S. can vote to continue the APC in the 2021 FMO referendum.

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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Rows of 6-year-old pecan trees in an orchard in Georgia.

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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Blooming tulips sit in the foreground of this shot of the U.S. Capitol

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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U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. National Pecan Federation shares updates from the Hill.

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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A transport ship with thousands of shipping containers on board in Bukit Merah, Singapore.

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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USDA 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 ThanksEverything Pie sits on a table with some pecan halves scattered around it.

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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The group of pecan industry representatives stand together outside the USDA building in Washington, D.C.

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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USDA 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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A transport ship with thousands of shipping containers on board in Bukit Merah, Singapore.

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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filled with Noce Pecan's Green Pecan Liqueur, glass bottles with a green labels sit on a shelf ready to be sold.

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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After the tornado, mature pecan trees lay uprooted and scattered about the orchard.

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...

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USDA 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...

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GPGA 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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Blooming tulips sit in the foreground of this shot of the U.S. Capitol

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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Group photo with all the attendees from the first Pecan Congress held by the APC

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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group photo of NCPGA awards

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 York chef Matt Abdoo, of Pig Beach and Pig Bleecker, demonstrates Pecan, Butternut Squash and Provolone Arancini at The Not Pie Shop, a pop-up store celebrating “American Pecans, The Original Supernut,” Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in New York.

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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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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Texas’ 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...

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New 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...

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American 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...

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Pecan 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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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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Schmeiser 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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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,...

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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...

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Inspection 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...

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USDA 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...

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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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Inspection 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...

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National 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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Marketing 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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An image of the cover of a book, titled "The Pecan: A History of America's Native Nut," by James McWilliams.

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...

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Nutrition 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...

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Pecan 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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Georgia 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...

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Center 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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Texas 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...

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Cottage 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...

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New 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...

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Teaching 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,...

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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...

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New 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...

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Georgia 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...

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Georgia 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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NASS 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 2012, shows size of pecan crop across the U.S. as well as the price per pound

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...

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Georgia 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...

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Carry-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...

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NPSA 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...

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Central 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...

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Georgia 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...

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U.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...

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Texas 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...

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Cold 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...

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Pecan 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...

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NPSA 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...

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Dupont 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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