PERRY, GEORGIA (Farm Monitor) — After a challenging year, pecan growers across Georgia are looking ahead with cautious optimism. That outlook was front and center at the 61st Georgia Pecan Growers Association Annual Conference and Trade Show, where producers gathered to connect, learn, and prepare for the season ahead.
The event brings growers from across the state together, offering a chance to attend educational sessions and see new equipment they can take back to their operations.
Executive Director Mary Mikelyn Bruorton says the gathering is especially important after a tough growing season.
“This gives an opportunity for growers to come together, see how the season was last year, see what the season is going to be this year, and to see the new equipment that’s going on,” She continued, “There’s new equipment being brought every single day, and this is an opportunity for them to showcase their equipment, and for growers to really connect with each other because they don’t get to do that on a daily basis.”
The conference follows a difficult year that left many orchards producing only a fraction of their expected crop, largely due to drought and other environmental factors.
Still, growers say there are signs of optimism, particularly regarding demand, as the industry works to expand the ways consumers use pecans.
At the same time, producers are keeping a close eye on rising costs and global uncertainty.
Economists at the University of Georgia say fuel and fertilizer remain top concerns, though they note pecan growers may be in a slightly stronger position than some other crop producers.
