Drought calls for poor pecan crop for Mississippi in 2023
About 10% of the state’s pecan orchards are irrigated and were better able to deal with the drought, and the high temperatures that accompanied the drought caused other problems.
MISSISSIPPI, (WCBI) – A late freeze, high summertime temperatures, and a devastating drought mean a poor pecan crop for Mississippi in 2023.
Eric Stafne, fruit and nut specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said weather stacked the odds against a good crop this year.
He says drought could have carryover effects into next year too.
Max Draughn, president of the Mississippi Pecan Growers Association said the late freeze in March destroyed any blooms that were on the trees.
About 10% of the state’s pecan orchards are irrigated and were better able to deal with the drought, and the high temperatures that accompanied the drought caused other problems.
Draughn said Mississippi has 800 pecan orchards, totaling 17,000 acres of pecan trees. The last 10 years have seen a renewed interest in planting pecan orchards.
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