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Thursday, October 6, 2011

2011 Pecan Harvest Walk


Pecan Experiment Field
Tuesday Oct. 11
1:30 PM

When the 2011 growing season began we originally had planned of holding a full day pecan field day at the Pecan Experiment Field. And then the hot, dry summer hit. At several times during the growing season, I was afraid that this year’s pecan crop would be a total failure. No rain, 100 degree temperatures, and gaping cracks in the soil all combined to make our trees look terrible. By the end of August I decided that 2011 was not a good year to promote pecan culture. Area farmers were disheartened by a dismal corn crop, poor stands of soybeans and a total lack of forage for cattle. Everyone was worn out by the oppressive heat. So I cancelled our field day plans.
Fortunately, in mid-September we had some much needed rain. That one rain event turned a poor quality pecan crop into a good quality crop. However, by the time things turned around it was too late to get a full field day put together.
Since we haven’t had this kind of drought since 1980, I think we have a great opportunity to see how the numerous cultivars we have under test have fared under drought stress.  This year is a good time for a Harvest Walk.
The Harvest Walk will be held at the Pecan Experiment Field, located 2 miles East of Chetopa, KS on US HWY 166 and 3/4 mile south 120th Street. We will be holding this meeting rain or shine so come prepared for the weather.  All are welcomed to attend.