Power Shift Expected In Pecan Production

ALBANY, Ga. (AP) -- A record drought in the Southeast could cause a power shift in pecan production.<br/><br/>A pecan horticulturist at the University of Georgia says that state is on pace to be the nation's

Sunday, November 4th 2007, 2:26 pm

By: News On 6

ALBANY, Ga. (AP) -- A record drought in the Southeast could cause a power shift in pecan production.

A pecan horticulturist at the University of Georgia says that state is on pace to be the nation's top pecan producer this year, with shellers predicting more than 125 million pounds harvested.

Georgia was the nation's third-leading pecan producer last year, and the expert says the nation's two other top producers, New Mexico and Texas, are not expected to grow nearly as much. New Mexico's crop is predicted to be about 80 million pounds, and Texas is expected to harvest 73 million pounds.

The pecan harvest is expected to begin in late November and will last about six weeks.