Ecocert inspector inspecting Roux Pecans

Yesterday and the day before Stephen Barrow, the Ecocert inspector put us to the test again.

In the past the inspection was done before the harvest. In 2006 we decided that a more comprehensive and informative occasion will be during harvesting and the start of shelling the nuts.

Stephen, diligent as always and very encouraging viewed the whole operation.

Many subjects about "organic" from A-Z were discussed. The guidance is appreciated by us all here.

Among other things, the procedures and expectations around the method of establishing the new block so as to conform to the certification requirements were most enlightening.

Due to the Ecocert practice of rotating inspectors, Stephen will in all likelihood not be doing it in 2008. We look forward to the time when again he is sent to Ramah.

New development 2008

The west side of the current orchard is designated for the next expansion drive on the farm.


It is an area of about 20 hectares.


This area is flat with the same deep alluvial soils as the rest of the orchard.

There are some acacia trees that will have to be removed and some gullies will need filling near the river. The plan is that Bob Roux will be doing this development after he completes his
degree at the University of Cape Town in January 2008.
The first phase will be to remove the acacias. Second to fill the gullies and third to mark out and dig the trenches for the underground irrigation pipes.
Then the tree positions are marked out and the trees will be planted on August 2008



The photos are in sequence from west to east

Late varieties caught by early cold

The summer of 2007 was dry in the middle period from December 2006 to mid-April 2007 when we had good late rains.
The typical semi-desert cold evenings in autumn became moisture laden on the temperatures did not drop so low.
The trigger for dormancy was delayed.


Some varieties mature their crop in fewer days after flowering than others. Pawnee is a short season variety, Choctaw and Wichita need more time.


We had a sudden and dramatic cold before the trees were ready for it.

The Pawnee and Barton had already started browning off. The Choctaw and Wichita had just begun to split and dry the shucks that encase each nut.
The frost got them and turned them black.
The leaves were caught green on the trees.
The first picture shows a row of Barton on the right with Choctaw on the left.
The second shows a Wichita two weeks after this cold snap.
The photos were taken today.