The Pecan Detective Agency
When I was much younger I wanted to be a private detective. I read many of the old detective novels and watched lots of movies, hoping to be just like Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Charlie Chan or Inspector Wellman (bonus points if you know the last one). I was intrigued by how the detective was...
Read moreCold Storage Supplies Continue to Dwindle
The latest Cold Storage report from USDA shows cold storage pecan supplies dropped from 202 million pounds, in-shell basis, to 176 million at the end of July. At the end of July in 2014, that number was 222 million pounds, in-shell basis. Broken down into shelled and in-shell categories, the July 31, 2015 numbers were...
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The Variety Block: Evaluating New Cultivars is Critical
The purpose of this article is to consolidate and distribute information about one of the most important aspects of our future as pecan growers — new and improved varieties. There have been a few articles about new varieties over the past few years, some positive and some negative, but growers need the most useful information...
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Stink Bug Management Presents Late-Season Challenges for Producers
Given the time of year, I would like to refer to an excellent article by Monte Nesbitt in the August 2010 issue of Pecan South, entitled “Victory or Defeat in August” where he talks about the difficulty in producing pecans during August. This difficulty not only applies to the horticultural challenges in filling out kernels...
Read morePecan Scab Questions
Texas is currently experiencing a major drought and heat wave following the wettest April and May on record. Our very wet spring set the stage for a major pecan scab year. I am not and have not been paid to be a plant pathologist; however, I study and worry about scab. I have experienced pecan...
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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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In Search of Fall Color
Thousands of Americans head out on the highways and byways of the country each year in search of fall color. Many southerners journey north where the cooler temperatures bring out the vivid red, bronze and gold foliage color hues that can be elusive or short-lived in the South. Technology, the internet and social media now...
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