Because of a lack of chill hours last winter, Southeast peach volumes should be significantly lower than normal, and an early end to the season is likely.

Early variety volumes could be up to 30% below normal this season, said Will McGehee, salesman with Genuine Georgia Group and Pearson Farm, Fort Valley, Ga. Late-season variety losses could be closer to 35%, he said.

“The mild winter has taken effect,” McGehee said May 22. “Supplies are going to be tight pretty much all summer.”

Charles Hall, executive director of the La Grange-based Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, agreed.

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