Sharp Jump in Pecan Crop

WASHINGTON - Oct 9/09 - SNS -- Pecan production is forecast at 309 million pounds (utilized, in-shell basis), up 59% from last year's crop but 20% below the 2007 production year, according to the latest USDA crop production estimates.

All States in the pecan estimating program have a higher production forecast than last year, with the exception of Kansas. Nationally, improved varieties are forecasted to produce 264 million pounds or 85% of the total, while native and seedling varieties, at 45.5 million pounds, make up the remaining 15% of production. The 2009 crop is expected to be larger than last year's mainly due to the alternate bearing pattern typical of pecans.

In Georgia, production is forecast at 90.0 million pounds, 29% above last year. This is the "up" year in the alternate bearing cycle, but frequent rain throughout the summer produced widespread disease problems. Fungicide applications were frequently interrupted by showers and cool cloudy conditions.

New Mexico's forecast, at 76.0 million pounds, is up 77% from last year and 3% above the 2007 production year. Pecan acreage continues to increase in the Rio Grande Valley, resulting in increasing bearing acres. Crop conditions were reported as good to excellent with an average nut set.

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