By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

October is Texas Pecan Month, a time to celebrate the state’s official health nut, tree and pie. But this year’s celebration comes amid a tough growing season for Texas pecan producers.

Weather extremes, lingering drought and disease pressure have taken a toll on orchards across the state, according to Blair Krebs, executive director of the Texas Pecan Growers Association.

“It really depends on what area the state you’re in,” Krebs said. “In East Texas, we’re seeing a good crop, but with all the rain that East Texas saw, you’re seeing some disease pressure. In Central Texas, a lot of growers are still recovering from drought conditions, but those who have had adequate water, their trees are coming back from that. In West Texas, El Paso County—the largest producing county for pecans in Texas—saw temperatures a little bit cooler this year. Their crop is responding well to that.”

This year’s state production, Krebs noted, is forecast to reach around 40 million pounds. That number does not include pecans sold directly to consumers. Texas typically ranks third in U.S. pecan production behind New Mexico and Georgia.

This summer’s floods brought much-needed moisture but washed out young trees.

“Some young trees were lost because they can’t withstand those flood waters. But a lot of those old pecan trees managed to survive during those floods because they’re naturally meant to survive those floods,” Krebs said. “The floods didn’t cause near the damage that the droughts over the last couple of years.”

Texas A&M AgriLife specialists estimate that more than 200,000 pecan trees have been lost across the state due to prolonged drought and extreme heat.

Despite the setbacks, Krebs said the quality of this year’s crop is promising. .

“Overall, we may see a reduction in quantity, but generally when that happens, we see great quality because the tree can put all the resources into growing the crop it has,” she said. “We expect to see some beautiful Texas pecans this year.”

The association continues to invest in marketing and branding initiatives to strengthen the state’s pecan industry. A new statewide Texas Pecan brand will launch next year to help consumers identify genuine Texas-grown nuts.

“We’re creating a brand for Texas pecans so that when consumers go to buy pecans, they know they are in fact Texas pecans,” Krebs said. “It’s about honoring that tradition and supporting our farmers.”

The association is also expanding into new international markets, including India, while promoting pecans domestically through chefs, restaurants and food service programs.

“This is of our time to shine,” Krebs said. “Pecans connect families and culture, and our industry loves that.”