With an already decreased supply here in the US, pecan growers are getting offers on their crops that makes it unprofitable to run equipment through the orchard for a second time, ultimately lowering the already decreased supply for this year’s harvest.
As pecan harvest season is well underway and some growers here in the southeast have nearly completed harvest, this is the time of year when growers in our area will take a look at the crop and see where they might need to go over for a second time, as much of the crop may not have opened up fully on first pass.
This year is a little different, with farmgate pecan prices at or below cost depending on yield, many growers have opted not to make a second pass though the orchards as the cost of doing so would be greater than the potential return. This turn of events of course will decrease an already tight supply.
While the future of American grown pecans is uncertain and even dismal at the farm level, shellers and consumers can rest easy knowing that pecan imports from Mexico remain strong and buyers can rest easy knowing that pecan imports will cover any shortcomings in the supply chain. Maybe Americans should put a little Mexican flag atop their pecan pies this year in support of their favorite holiday treat. And while this may sound slightly cynical, we can also thank an American farmer, not for the pecans, but for footing the bill, as they contemplate selling off the family farm to pay some bills. Now might also be a good time to advocate for more non-grower interest on the grower funded boards. We should allocate the remaining grower seats for the stick kickers and the sweepers.