Cooperative Extension Service
Departments
Administration
Agriculture Special Programs - Pecan production
I. TITLE OF FOCUS PROGRAM:
Pecan production
II. SITUATION AND PRIORITIES:
According to 2005 USDA statistics, Arkansas produced 1,600 thousand pounds of
pecans. The acreage and request for information on pecans in Arkansas is
increasing. Growers in Arkansas often seek advice from surrounding states
whenever a “pecan problem” arises. This industry is in significant need of local
and state science based information and assistance in production and marketing
practices that will help growers to maintain sustainability and increase
profitability in this growing industry. This outreach and research focus program
proposes to provide an avenue for growers to have access to information that
will help them in their decision-making process.
III. GOAL(S) OF THE PROGRAM:
To develop program and educational materials to enhance
knowledge of potential, new, and existing pecan producers
IV. OBJECTIVE(S):
Develop science based information and cultural recommendations.
Produce materials for use by county faculty and producers.
Develop and initiate ongoing educational programs.
V. FACULTY IN CHARGE BY OBJECTIVE:
Dr. Elena Garcia, plant pathology faculty, entomology faculty,
soil nutrition faculty.
VI. OUTPUTS (for each objective):
Demonstrations: as appropriate and feasible.
In-Service Trainings: develop and increase knowledge base of
agents and familiarize them with resources available to meet needs
of clientele.
Support Materials: (Fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations,
demonstration plots etc.)
Media Packets:
Meeting Support: (provide help with the organization and
presentation of the Arkansas Pecan Growers Association Annual
Meeting, support local meeting initiated by agents.
Other: as appropriate and feasible.
VII. OUTCOMES EXPECTED (for each objective):
20 to 50 % changing or implementing a practice, increasing yield,
reducing unit cost, etc.
VIII. TARGET AUDIENCE(S):
Current pecan growers
New pecan growers
Pecan brokers
Extension agents
Associated industry personnel
IX. (A) SPECIALIST ROLE: To provide leadership in educating
growers, extension agents, and associated industry personnel on
cultural and marketing aspects of the pecan industry
(B) AGENT ROLE: provide direct support to clientele and
liaison with specialists
(C) DISTRICT DIRECTOR ROLE:
(D) UNIT HEAD ROLE:
X. EVALUATION METHODS PLANNED: Annual surveys will be used to
assess our program and seek input. Program presentations will be
evaluated. Grower visits will be conducted to determine adaptation
of technology and cultural techniques and to provide individual
support.
XI. RESOURCES REQUIRED:
XII. LIST OF DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED:
Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Crop and Soil
Sciences, Agricultural Economics and Business, Animal Science,
Agricultural and Biological Engineering
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