Anyone in the pecan business in the southern Georgia area, and well beyond, likely knows who the Wetherbee’s are. The Wetherbee’s have been farming pecans in Georgia for generations and have been on the forefront of pecan research and growing techniques for generations also. 

 

Carrying on that spirit of ingenuity and and innovation Mr. Putt Wetherbee has been working to find better ways to grow pecans. While many of us just follow in the footsteps of others ‘best practices” its the bold growers like Mr. Wetherbee that allows us to move our industry forward to those next steps and new best practices. 

 

Putt’s father had one of the first mechanical harvesters in the state and regularly worked with local university specialist to address issues with common varieties in the region. To cover even a small portion of the work done on their farm each year would be an astronomical feat. A while back I spoke with Mr. Wetherbee in passing and he mentioned how his team was flagging new growth on trees in one of their orchards as part of a new hedging program that they were experimenting with on their farm. The list goes on and on, because they are always innovating and looking for better ways to grow pecans. 

 

Mr. Wetherbee mentioned another program he was working on with reducing inputs for scab, one of the biggest issue we face in the southeast. I have never felt comfortable writing on the topic for my own lack of knowledge in the area. Thankfully for all of us interested in the topic, a writer, Crystal Nay, from the National Nut Grower took the time to speak with Mr. Wetherbee about his endless pursuit for better growing practices. 

 

The article titled “Regenerative Farming” takes a closer look at how Mr. Wetherbee is working with the soil in a way that could reduce inputs and increase yields. I encourage you to check the article at the link below.