Peach crop behind schedule

The cool weather this spring has put Middle Georgia&#39;s peach crop a week behind schedule. <br> <br> But growers who began the 12-week harvesting period yesterday are convinced 2002&#39;s crop will at least equal the amount and quality of the estimated 140 million pounds harvested last year. <br> <br> Peach trees need between 600 and a 1,000 chill hours (temperatures below 45 degrees) or they will not produce enough leaves for healthy development. <br> <br> Al Pearson, managing partner at Fort Valley-based Big Six Farm, said he lost some peaches to the frost but not enough to make a big difference. <br> <br> Big Six grows peaches on about 1,500 acres in Crawford, Macon and Peach counties. <br> <br> Middle Georgia accounts for more than 90 percent of the state&#39;s commercial peach production, with Crawford, Houston, Macon, Peach, Talbot and Taylor counties accounting for most of that.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/5/194406