We are thrilled to announce a significant achievement for our Security Team — they’ve just completed a comprehensive training course and are now officially Certified Security Officers! This milestone reflects their dedication to not only maintaining the safety and security of our facility but also continuously growing and developing their professional skills.

The training course was extensive and designed to equip our team with the necessary knowledge and expertise to handle a wide range of security scenarios. From emergency response protocols to understanding the latest security technologies, our team has demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout this rigorous process. By completing the training, they have enhanced their ability to respond swiftly and effectively to any situation, ensuring that our workplace remains a safe environment for all.

The achievement of becoming Certified Security Officers goes beyond just a title. It signifies our team’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of our employees, visitors, and the facility as a whole. It’s a clear example of how they embody the values of professionalism, responsibility, and attention to detail — qualities that are crucial in maintaining the highest level of security.

We can always count on our security team to be the first line of defense, protecting our people, assets, and the integrity of our operations. Their hard work and focus on continuous improvement ensure that our security protocols are always evolving to meet the highest industry standards. Their professionalism, combined with their new certification, further solidifies the trust we place in them to keep our workplace safe and secure.

Please join us in congratulating the entire Security Team on this remarkable achievement! Their dedication to safety and excellence is truly commendable, and we couldn’t be prouder to have them as part of our team.

Here’s to their ongoing growth, and to the vital role they play in keeping our workplace protected every single day!

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting a special Extreme Ownership Breakfast to celebrate the powerful leadership principles that have become a cornerstone of our organization. This event not only highlighted a mindset but also honored one of our own team members who truly exemplifies these values.

Over the past few months, members of our management team have been deeply engaged in Extreme Ownership, a leadership philosophy outlined by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin in their book of the same name. Every week, the group has come together to discuss the core concepts, reflect on their personal leadership journeys, and grow as a unified team. The discussions have been transformative, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not about blaming others but taking full responsibility for the success and failures of a team or mission. This process has helped to strengthen our collective commitment to accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.

As part of our commitment to this philosophy, we introduced the Extreme Ownership Award, a peer-voted recognition to celebrate those who demonstrate outstanding leadership and embody the values of Extreme Ownership. This year, we received an overwhelming 20 nominations from employees across the company, each nomination showcasing the incredible leadership happening at all levels within our organization. The number of nominations is a testament to the strength and spirit of leadership within our team.

After careful consideration, we are proud to announce that the recipient of the 2025 Extreme Ownership Award is Patrick Roberts! Patrick has consistently shown what it means to lead with accountability, integrity, and purpose — the very heart of what Extreme Ownership stands for. His leadership goes beyond just fulfilling his role; he takes responsibility for his team’s outcomes and continually inspires others to step up and take ownership of their own actions. Patrick’s example has made a lasting impact on our workplace culture, and we are excited to see how he will continue to lead and influence others in the future.

To celebrate Patrick’s achievement and the spirit of Extreme Ownership, we treated both our 3rd and 1st shift teams to a well-deserved breakfast. The event was filled with camaraderie and gratitude, as everyone came together to enjoy a meal and reflect on the importance of leadership in our day-to-day operations.

This breakfast was more than just a celebration of one individual’s success; it was a reminder of the collective strength we have as a team when we take ownership of our roles and work together toward a common goal. Each day, we are all leaders in our own right, and by embracing Extreme Ownership, we can achieve remarkable things.

Here’s to continued leadership, growth, and to all of us owning the mission together.

As the season progresses, May marks a critical period for the orchards, setting the stage for a successful growing season ahead. With trees coming to life, it’s time to focus on the essential tasks that help our pecan crops thrive. Let’s take a closer look at why May is such a pivotal month in the orchard:

1. Budding & Blooming

• As the days warm up, pecan trees begin to “wake up” with fresh buds, and May ushers in the full bloom phase!

• Pecans are dioecious, meaning both male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers appear on the same tree. How cool is that?

• Keep a watchful eye on these blooms, as they’ll give you early indications of the health and vitality of the season to come.

2. Pollination Power

• Pecans are wind-pollinated, so no bees required! 🌬️

• Mid-May is an excellent time to scout for flower clusters that signal a strong potential for a good nut set later in the year. These clusters are the first signs of a productive crop, and their health and density are crucial for a successful harvest.

3. Grafting & Growing

• May is the perfect time to graft your pecan trees — especially if your trees re-budded after a late frost.

• Consider techniques like the 3-flap graft on young seedlings, a method that encourages strong and healthy growth.

• Don’t forget about fertilizing newly planted trees. Proper fertilization now helps promote robust root development, ensuring that your trees have the nutrients they need to thrive throughout the season.

4. Other May Must-Do’s

• Fertilization: Ensure your trees are getting the nutrients they need to support growth and flowering.

• Cover Crops: If you haven’t already, remove cover crops if they’re not being used for pasturing. This helps prevent competition for nutrients.

• Disease Control: Continue spraying for pecan scab and other diseases to protect your trees from potential threats that can harm the developing nuts.

• Pruning & Training Young Trees: Now is the time to train young trees by selecting and promoting a central leader. Proper pruning will help ensure good airflow and shape, leading to a strong tree structure for future growth.

• Irrigation: If rainfall has been scarce, don’t forget to irrigate your trees. Proper hydration is essential for healthy development.

By paying attention to these critical tasks during May, you’re setting your pecan trees up for success, which means a better harvest down the line. The work you put in now will ensure that your orchards are strong, healthy, and ready for the seasons ahead.

Taking care of your pecan trees now means a better harvest later!

In Valdosta, our Eastern Office hosted a beautiful brunch that was filled with love, laughter, and plenty of appreciation for the amazing women who keep everything running smoothly — both in the workplace and at home. The brunch was a perfect opportunity to recognize their tireless dedication and hard work. A special thank you to Banners by Jess for creating the gorgeous custom banner that added the perfect touch to our celebration — it truly made the event unforgettable! 💐

Meanwhile, out West, at our El Paso production facility, the team treated our hardworking moms to a delicious Mexican luncheon that was as flavorful as it was heartfelt. With vibrant dishes and flavors that reflect the spirit of our West Texas roots, it was the perfect way to show our gratitude for everything our moms do — not just at work, but in every aspect of their lives. The smiles, laughter, and stories shared over lunch made it clear just how much we all cherish the contributions of these amazing women.

To all the wonderful moms who are part of our South Georgia Pecan family — and to moms everywhere — we want to take this moment to express our deep appreciation. You balance so much with grace and strength, and we are grateful for all the love and energy you put into everything you do. We hope you enjoyed your special day as much as we enjoyed celebrating you!

Here’s to the moms who inspire, lead, and create positive change — your impact is felt every single day.