By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Texas pecan growers should see improved production this year, thanks to rainfall across much of the state.

“Agriculture is so deeply tied into the weather, but this year all the rain has been beneficial to a lot of areas of Texas. It’s recharged aquifers and reservoirs and all the irrigation water that’s needed,” said Blair Krebs, executive director of the Texas Pecan Growers Association.

Several consecutive years of drought and lack of available irrigation water led to significant loss of pecan trees.

“We have seen tree loss, significant tree loss, particularly in the northern Central Texas area. We’re thinking maybe even about 10% of some of the trees there,” Krebs told the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network. “We still see some of the state that’s in that kind of drought condition. If you go to the Winter Garden area out near San Antonio, we’re still seeing that kind of tree loss. But for the most part, the rain has been really beneficial for producers. Now, we will need it to continue through the summer, but at the very least, we’re getting irrigation supplies back.”

Although the majority of pecans are grown in the El Paso region, Krebs noted there is a great diversity with the crop.

“Almost every county has some kind of commercial pecan production. The El Paso Valley looks good right now. It’s still very early to know what’s going to happen,” Krebs said. “But the great thing about the diversity of pecan production across the state of Texas is that even if there are weather issues or natural disasters, you will have Texas pecans for our consumers.”

And Krebs is hopeful pecan growers will see an increase in yield for this year’s pecan crop.

“The last two years have been tough, and we’re hoping with all this rain, this will continue and produce a good crop that is needed for these producers,” she said. “And we hope the market gets a bit stronger.”

Texas pecan facts
Texas currently ranks third in the nation for pecan production behind Georgia and New Mexico, Krebs said.

Pecans are also tied to many state symbols and recognitions, including the state tree, the state health nut and the state pie.