STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma agriculture is wellknown for its cattle and wheat industries, but the pecan industry also has a significant impact on the state. Oklahoma State University Extension is partnering with the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association and Frazier Pecans to host the free Fall Pecan Field Day on Sept. 25 near Bixby.
The pecan industry positively impacts Oklahoma’s economy, said Becky Carroll, OSU Extension specialist for fruit and pecans.
“Providing current, research- based information to both seasoned and novice growers is vital because they’ll learn things that will help them improve their businesses,” Carroll said. “The field day will also provide networking opportunities for producers.”
What: The field day will cover various topics beneficial to members of the pecan industry. Hunter Frazier, owner of Frazier Pecans, has been managing his family farm and other orchards around the Bixby area for many years. Field day topics include: Tree spacing and thinning Soil testing Tree nutrition and fertilization Insect management and weevil updates Disease updates Drone spraying Clover establishment in the orchard When and where: Check-in begins at 9 a.m., Sept. 25, at Frazier Pecans, 15023 E. 171st St. S, Bixby. The program starts at 9:30 a.m.
The workshop is free and includes lunch provided by Oklahoma AgCredit, but attendees must register by Sept. 19.
Why: Provide education on best management practices that boost production, teach new techniques to improve return on investment and tailor management to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Oklahoma ranks in the top five pecan-producing states.
Oklahoma has averaged over 17 million pounds of pecans annually over the past 80 years.
“There’s a lot of history here at my family’s grove, and it’s neat to learn about the old varieties that serve as some of the founding genetics that started the improved pecan industry,” Frazier said. “As pecan growers, I think most of us share a similar passion for pecans and will take opportunities to explore and learn more about the industry.”
Frazier said he’s seen a shift in the pecan industry over the past decade, bringing back the pecan spirit to Oklahoma and other states.
“The more we learn about the history of the pecan tree, how it’s native to our region and served as a founding staple to our ancestors, the more we will come to appreciate and celebrate it,” he said.
Oklahoma has about 114,000 acres dedicated to growing pecans, with 81% of those acres producing native pecans.
“This year’s crop looks to be bigger than average; however, heavy pecan scab pressure may have detrimental effects for those who couldn’t get into their orchards to spray earlier due to the rain we received this spring,” Carroll said. “Some producers were unable to get into their groves and orchards for several weeks. The good news is the late June estimates were around 18 million pounds in Oklahoma. We will have to see what is brought in after harvest.”
For more information, contact Carroll at [email protected] or 405-744-6139.
OSU Extension uses research- based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state's 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.
