Nuts
The primary nut crop in Mississippi is pecans. Pecans are native into the Delta region but have a long history in other areas of Mississippi as well. Some of the first publically available improved varieties came from south Mississippi, making that region the epicenter of today’s modern pecan production. Overall, Mississippi ranks in the top 10 states for pecan production, with average yields between 2 and 4 million pounds per year. There has been a resurgence in interest in pecans recently due to the increase in consumption and price. New orchards are being planted and many abandoned pecan orchards could be put back into production with some intensive management. Other than pecans, nut crop plantings are minor. Black and English walnuts and Chinese chestnuts make up the majority of those plantings.
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News
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi’s pecan yields will be down from last year, but the future looks promising.
Mississippi Pecan Growers Association President Max Draughn of Raymond explained that pecan yields alternate from year to year.
ELLISVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi State University representatives met with agricultural clients in Ellisville recently to discuss research and education needs for 2018. More than 115 individuals attended this year's event.
Agricultural clients met with Mississippi State University personnel to discuss research and education needs during the annual Producer Advisory Council Meeting for the southwest region February 20.
RAYMOND, Miss. -- A daylong Mississippi State University Extension Service workshop Jan. 18 will provide an in-depth look at horticulture and pest management with pecan orchards.
The Pecan Education Workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Raymond. The $35 cost covers registration, lunch and handouts, and must be submitted by Jan. 11. Late registration is on a space-available basis.
As the time for pecan harvest approaches, some Mississippians are contemplating adding new orchards or expanding or renovating old ones.
Eric Stafne, fruit and nut crops specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said growers want to capitalize on the demand for pecans, which is increasing domestically and overseas.
