Horticultural Alternatives for Texas Agriculture

Native Pecans

Estimated Cost Clearing $200 to $500 per acre; $200 per acre annual operating; harvest Novermber to January

Market Outlets Accumulators, shelling plants

Market Potential Low

Profit Potential $0 to $500 per acre

Adapted Areas Along rivers and streams throughout Texas

Labor Requirements One person per 50 acres, more at harvest

Equipment Requirements Trailer, speed sprayer, shredder, shaker, cleaner, harvester

Soil Requirements Deep, well-drained alluvial

Water Requirements 32 inches rainfall from April to October

Minimum Size 10 acres

Risk Factor Low

Other Limiting Factors Flooding, thieves and wildlife can significantly reduce income during harvest. Pests include nut casebearer, weevil, stick bug, crows and squirrels.

Additional Information

Comments Alternate bearing is the rule. Some years produciton is very heavy. Thin trees to only 10 to 20 per acre. Crop protection from pecan nut casebearer and weevil is essential. Sod is necessary to prevent erosion. Nitrogen and zince are needed on production years. Prices paid for native pecans are low and production expenses need to be lower except during heavy crop years. Consider native pecans as a part of a timber, cattle and real estate operation.

Alternatives Index

Estimated Cost	Clearing $200 to $500 per acre; $200 per acre annual operating; harvest Novermber to January
Market Outlets	Accumulators, shelling plants
Market Potential	Low
Profit Potential	$0 to $500 per acre
Adapted Areas	Along rivers and streams throughout Texas
Labor Requirements	One person per 50 acres, more at harvest
Equipment Requirements	Trailer, speed sprayer, shredder, shaker, cleaner, harvester
Soil Requirements	Deep, well-drained alluvial
Water Requirements	32 inches rainfall from April to October
Minimum Size	10 acres
Risk Factor	Low
Other Limiting Factors	Flooding, thieves and wildlife can significantly reduce income during harvest. Pests include nut casebearer, weevil, stick bug, crows and squirrels.
Additional Information
Comments	Alternate bearing is the rule. Some years produciton is very heavy. Thin trees to only 10 to 20 per acre. Crop protection from pecan nut casebearer and weevil is essential. Sod is necessary to prevent erosion. Nitrogen and zince are needed on production years. Prices paid for native pecans are low and production expenses need to be lower except during heavy crop years. Consider native pecans as a part of a timber, cattle and real estate operation.