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...
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The Causes of Lower Trunk Swelling
I have visited many native pecan groves over the years and have always found at least one tree in each grove that has developed a swollen, disfigured lower trunk. Trees with this condition are typically weak nut producers and often suffer from significant limb loss. As I work with growers to improve their native groves,...
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Pecans Around the Globe
When those associated with the U.S. pecan industry travel abroad, it is fairly common for them to check out retail outlets in other countries to see if pecans are offered for sale. Pecan South’s Blair Krebs traveled in Germany recently and took note of these offerings of in-shell pecans, roasted halves, and pecans in nut mixes....
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...
Read moreLeaf Scorching of Young Pecan Trees, Part 2
Back in the November issue of Pecan South, I began a discussion on leaf scorching in young pecan trees. We’ve seen a lot of it lately and I believe most of what we are seeing is a cultural management issue involving difficulty with root establishment, particularly in intensively managed operations where the trees are pushed...
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Matching Funds Essential for MAP Export Program
Randy Hudson, president of the National Pecan Growers Council, and Bruce Caris, chair of the National Pecan Shellers Association, are asking pecan stakeholders to continue supporting the NPGC’s MAP export initiative with monetary contributions. Hudson said recently, “The international marketing of U.S. pecans through the MAP and U.S. Pecans’ effort has contributed millions of dollars...
Read morePecan Insecticide Recommendation Resources for Producers
For last month’s column I presented information on the cancellation of sulfoxaflor (Closer) use on pecan and since that writing I have received several requests for recommendations for insect control. So, for this month, I would like to highlight some insecticide resources that are available for producers. Insecticide recommendations for pecans can generally be obtained...
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