LATEST NEWS!
Here is an inside peak at the current conditions of the pecan crop here at The Pecan Shed of Wichita Falls. We also have a quick Q&A session from Jill Montz, owner and operator, where she answers some of the most common questions concerning the pecan crop this year.
Crop Conditions
The green “hull” forms around the actual pecan as the pecan forms inside. Right now our trees are weighted down with the crop meaning the limbs are heavy with pecans which is a great thing! We have not had a large crop in two years. Around the end of September or early October the green hull with crack open and the pecans will then be ready to be harvested. Right now seeing all those “green pecans” on the tree makes everyone around here VERY happy!
Q&A
1) How much total rain/water has the orchard received this year compared to years before?
We have gotten more rain this year than the last two years. We are lucky and we can irrigate our orchards but we still need as much rain as possible. Irrigation can be expensive and at times we have to hold back because even our water wells get low.
2) How does the amount of rain effect your production of the crop?
Without adequate water the crop can be less in pound produced or the pecans can be smaller. Also pecans go through a “water stage” right before they solidify into the “meat” of the pecan so water is crucial to our crops. Luckily this year we are getting some good rains right at the times we are needing them!
3) Do you have a specific rain dance we can do to help?
Trust me…we all do rain dances around here! I carry an umbrella in my car at all times. I figure positive thinking might be the way to go! 🙂
Other News!
This is a picture of some hail stones that hit The Pecan Shed’s orchards last night (Wednesday, July 24th 2014). No real damage was done to the crop but quite a site to see for sure! We are still in desperate need for rain in this area so every little bit counts! We will take hail if it comes with water!