Meager pecan crop saved by last year's nuts

From News 8 Austin, November 25, 2008...

The Texas pecan crop is one of the smallest in years -- and experts say the drought played a role.

Texas agriculture officials recently estimated this year's crop losses at $1.1 billion from the hot and dry spring and summer.

But last year's bountiful harvest is supplementing the shortfall.

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Texas Pecan Show

From Community Impact, November 17, 2008...

The Texas Pecan Show, hosted by Bell and Williamson counties, will be conducted Dec. 4 and 5 at the Bell County Extension office, 1605 N. Main St in Belton. Entries will be processed and judged Dec. 4 with Dec. 5 as show day from 8 a.m. to noon.

Contestants must bring a 42 nut sample to the Williamson County Extension Office, 3151 SE Inner Loop in Georgetown or to the Williamson County Grain, 504 E. Walnut in Taylor by noon Dec. 3. Samples must have been grown in Williamson or Bell counties and have the grower's name, address and pecan variety on the bag. You can enter as many individual varieties as you want but only one sample per variety.

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Pecan shortage worries Texans

From KEYE, November 14, 2008...

The pecan holds a special place in the hearts of many people. Why wouldn't it? The pecan tree is, afterall, the state tree of Texas.

But this year, pecans are in high demand as a shortage is sweeping across the Lone Star State and the nation as a whole. According to the Texas Agriculture Statistics Service, this year the state will yield 32 million pounds of pecans. That's less than half of the 2007 crop. Nationally pecan production is down 47 percent from last year's crop.

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Residents of Austin, Texas, harvest pecans – one nut at a time

From The Christian Science Monitor December 20, 2007...

The best crop in 40 years sends local scouring neighborhoods for the best bounty to make pies, cakes, brownies, and fudge...

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