South Georgia Pecan was honored to participate in the 4th Annual Pecan Processing Research Workshop, hosted at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel in Athens, GA, on August 24–25, 2025. Representing SGP were Humberto Reyes, Plant Manager of our Western Production Facility, and Leobardo Marrufo, Production Manager of our Western Production Facility.

The objective of the workshop was to bring together members of the pecan industry and community to share updates on USDA-funded research conducted by the University of Georgia, Fort Valley State University, and USDA ARS.

The two-day event began with a welcome reception and dinner, highlighted by a presentation from Southern Roots with Chris Harrell, who shared a family story of farm-to-table pecans. Attendees also enjoyed poster presentations from USDA Byron Fruit and Tree Nut Research and Fort Valley State University.

On the workshop day, researchers presented advancements in pecan cracking, shelling, processing, food safety, extended shelf life, and storage. Participants had the chance to tour the UGA Manufacturing Living Labs, where Industry 4.0 technologies were demonstrated in pecan shelling and cracking processes. These included innovations in computer vision, motorization, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and yields while maintaining food safety.

The program concluded with a visit to the UGA Innovation Factory, showcasing how faculty and students are developing new technologies for manufacturing and agriculture, further highlighting the connection between research and practical applications in the field.

This event reaffirmed the importance of collaboration within the pecan community and the role of research and innovation in shaping the future of the industry. SGP is proud to continue learning, contributing, and applying these insights to deliver the highest-quality pecans to our customers worldwide.

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!